Patent Publication Number: US-2019174690-A1

Title: Aeroponic system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to, co-pending, commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/273,896, filed on May 9, 2014, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Indoor farming systems must replace the sunlight, water, and nutrients typically found in a plant&#39;s natural environment. A potted plant may receive the sustenance necessary to yield fruit from sunlight through a window (e.g., a pane of a greenhouse) and/or commercial light fixtures, water periodically poured into the base soil by a caretaker and nutrients from the soil and/or added to the water. Many hydroponic and aeroponic systems have been developed to provide plants everything they require in a more automated or controlled manner. 
     Hydroponic indoor farming systems provide a pool of water, often with added nutrients, for the roots of a plant to grow into. Aeroponic indoor farming systems let the roots grow into open space, rather than retain them in a pot or a water pool. Both systems have advantages and drawbacks. 
     For instance, the exposed roots of aeroponic systems can make the plant vulnerable to bacteria and disease. Along with proper sterilization of equipment, it is also vital that aeroponic systems avoid over-saturating the plant with any particular sustenance substance (e.g., water, nutrients, light, oxygen, or carbon dioxide), which could make the plant susceptible to pythium induced root rot. Aeroponic systems must find a balance between maximizing the sustenance provided to the plant while minimizing the threat of root rot and other plant diseases. Accordingly, there remains a need for improved aeroponic systems. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an example aeroponic system comprising a cell for growing a plant. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an example aeroponic system comprising a fluid delivery system for distributing fluid/s to a plant or multiple plants. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an oxygen portion of the fluid delivery system shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a water portion of the fluid delivery system shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an example aeroponic system comprising a carbon dioxide delivery system. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an example schedule log of the fluid delivery systems shown in  FIGS. 2-5 . 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an example aeroponic system in multiple growth stages. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an example aeroponic method for increasing a yield of a plant. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Overview 
     As discussed above, aeroponic systems provide nourishment to plants to replace the nourishment found in their natural environment. However, the high degree of variability amongst plants makes it difficult to provide optimal amounts of nourishing substances throughout their lives. 
     This disclosure is directed to an aeroponic system which may comprise a plant cell and a fluid delivery system. The plant cell may comprise a first root chamber connected to a second root chamber, for instance, by a perforated divider. The fluid delivery system may convey water and oxygen into the first and/or second root chambers via first and second flow paths, respectively, formed by a plurality of interconnected components. The fluid delivery system may comprise a fluid delivery loop in each of the root chambers. In some examples, multiple partitioned root chambers in conjunction with the fluid delivery system may provide oxygen and/or water in a uniform distribution to a root system of a plant. For instance, the root system may grow into the first and/or second root chambers, wrapping around the fluid delivery system. But, even as the root system becomes larger and denser, the system described herein may still provide ample amounts of oxygen and water to every portion of the root system uniformly and in optimal amounts. 
     In some examples, the fluid delivery system may convey one or more fluids into the plant cell according to one or more fluid delivery schedules. For instance, water may be conveyed from a water source through a main supply line into the first and/or second root chambers. The water may comprise a nutrient solution. Oxygen may be conveyed from an oxygen source to the first and/or second root chambers using the same supply line used to convey the water. The delivery schedules may be determined and/or adjusted based on a type of plant being provided fluids and/or a growth stage of the plant (e.g., a seedling stage, a vegetative stage, a flowering stage, combinations thereof, and/or variations thereof). In some embodiments, the oxygen provided to the roots of the plant disposed in the first and/or second root chambers may be purified oxygen gas, which may increase a yield of the plant. 
     In some embodiments, the fluid delivery system may convey carbon dioxide from a carbon dioxide source to a plant according to a carbon dioxide delivery schedule. A carbon dioxide delivery ring may be disposed around a stem or base of the plant so that the carbon dioxide is distributed to the individual plant. In some examples, multiple plants may each have a carbon dioxide delivery ring disposed around their base or stem. Rather than flood the entire room housing the plants with carbon dioxide, the carbon dioxide delivery rings may provide carbon dioxide to each plant on an individual basis, thereby avoiding risks to people tending the plants (e.g., risks of asphyxiation). 
     In some examples, a schedule log may comprise a water delivery schedule, an oxygen delivery schedule, and/or a carbon dioxide delivery schedule. The delivery schedules may be adjustable for each growth stage of the plant. The delivery schedules may provide a degree of control over the plant&#39;s growing environment throughout its life such that precise amounts of fluids (e.g., water, oxygen, and/or carbon dioxide) may be provided to the plant at precise times. The high degree of control may increase a plant&#39;s yield during a flowering stage while mitigating the risk of root diseases, such as pythium. In some instances, the schedule logs may correspond to growth stages that may depend on the type of plant. For example, a plant may comprise a one month vegetative stage followed by a two month flowering stage. The plant may comprise a two week, four week, six week, or eight week vegetative state, followed by a two week, four week, six week, eight week, ten week, or twelve week flowering stage. A duration of the vegetative state and/or the flowering state may depend on a type of the plant. The plant may be provided fluids according to a delivery schedule based on the growth stages of that type of plant. 
     Multiple and varied example implementations and embodiments are described throughout. However, these examples are merely illustrative and other implementations and embodiments of an aeroponic system may be implemented without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, the implementations, or portions thereof, may be rearranged, combined, used together, duplicated, partially omitted, omitted entirely, and/or may be otherwise modified to arrive at variations on the disclosed implementations. 
     Illustrative Cell of an Aeroponic System 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example aeroponic system  100  comprising a cell  102  for growing a plant  104 . In some examples, the cell  102  may comprise a perforated receptacle  106  for receiving a base  108  of the plant  104 . The perforated receptacle  106  may be disposed in a top opening of a first enclosure  110 . The first enclosure  110  may partially surround and/or enclose the perforated receptacle  106 , such that the perforations of the perforated receptacle  106  connect to an interior space  112  enclosed by the first enclosure  110 . A second enclosure  114  may at least partially surround the first enclosure  110 , with a divider  116  between the first and second enclosures  110  and  114  having an opening or passageway  118  connecting the first enclosure  110  to the second enclosure  114 . A fluid delivery system  120  may pass into the first enclosure  110  and the second enclosure  114 . In some examples, the fluid delivery system  120  may comprise a plurality of interconnected components that define a flow path or multiple flow paths, as discussed in greater detail below. 
     In some embodiments, the perforated receptacle  106  may comprise a rigid or semi-rigid container such as a basket. In some instances, the base  108  of the plant  104  may establish in a growing medium, such as soil, rocks, plastic beads, glass marbles, hygroten, foam, and/or rockwool, retained by the perforated receptacle  106 . The perforated receptacle may have a depth of about 2 inches, 4 inches, 6 inches, for example, or any depth suitable to accommodate the base of the plant  108 . In other examples, the base of the plant  108  may be secured by the growing medium itself, such that the perforated receptacle  106  may be omitted. The base  108  of the plant  104  may comprise the roots of the plant  104  extending from a stem and/or a seed of the plant  104 . The plant  104  may be in a seedling stage, a vegetative stage, or may comprise merely a germinated seed. In some examples, the base  104  of the plant  108  may comprise a seed with a stem extending upward and protruding roots extending downward. The plant  104  may comprise any type of plant with multiple growth stages. The plant  104  may comprise any type of plant that may be cultivated with indoor farming systems. 
     In some examples, the first enclosure  110  may be positioned at least partially around the perforated receptacle  106  and/or the base  108  of the plant  104 . The first enclosure  110  may comprise any type of container, such as a bucket, to form sides  122  and a bottom  124 . In some examples, a lid may form a top  126 . The perforated receptacle  106  may fit into a hole in the top  126  of the first enclosure  110 , held in place with a lip, friction fitting, snap fit, adhesive, epoxy, clamps, clips, crimps, nails, screws, bolts, gravity, or any other coupling method. In some embodiments, depending on a shape of the cell  102 , the perforated receptacle  106  may fit into the first enclosure  110  at a side of the first enclosure  110  rather than at the top  126 . 
     In some examples, the sides  122 , the bottom  124 , and/or the top  126  comprise an opening  128  or a plurality of openings. In instances where the first enclosure  110  is enclosed by the second enclosure  114 , the sides  122 , the bottom  124 , and/or the top  126  may comprise the divider  116  between the first and second enclosures  110  and  114  and the opening  128  or plurality of openings may comprise the passageway  118  for roots from the plant  104  to travel through. Although  FIG. 1  illustrates a first enclosure  110  having a plurality of openings on the bottom  124 , in other embodiments an opening  128  may be disposed on the side  122 , the top  126 , the bottom  124 , or any combination thereof. A configuration of the opening  128  or the plurality of openings may depend, at least in part, on a type of plant the plant  104  comprises and/or a shape of the first enclosure  110 . 
     In some embodiments, the cell  102  may comprise the second enclosure  114  at least partially enclosing the first enclosure  110 . The second enclosure  114  may enclose a second interior space  130  which, in some examples, may be a partially or fully open-air space. The first enclosure  110  and the first interior space  112  enclosed by the first enclosure  110  may be within the second interior space  130  of the second enclosure  114 . 
     In some examples, the first and/or the second interior spaces  112  and  130  are considered “open air” because a majority of the unoccupied volume comprises air enclosed by the first and second enclosures  110  and  114 . However, some of the volume may be occupied by additional monitoring, sensing, lighting, structural support, or any other type of growing hardware or equipment. In fact, some of the volume of the interior spaces  112  and  130  may be occupied by the fluid delivery system  120 , as will be discussed in greater detail below. 
     In some embodiments, a wall  132  of the second enclosure  114  may divide the second interior space  130  from an exterior  134 . The wall  132  may have a vent  136  disposed on it or formed into it. The vent  136  may comprise an opening with a removable cover or no cover at all. In some examples, the vent  136  may provide a path for stagnant air to escape the cell  102  and/or for some air from the exterior  134  to flow into the cell  102 . Although the first and second enclosures  110  and  114  enclose the interior spaces  112  and  130 , respectively, the interior spaces  112  and  130  may still be connected to the exterior  134  via the vent  136 . As such, in some examples, the cell  102  may not be air-tight. However, in other examples, the vent  136  may be omitted, or a cover may attach to the vent  136 , such that the cell  102  may be air-tight or substantially air-tight. 
     In some examples, the perforated receptacle  106 , the first enclosure  110 , and/or the second enclosure  114  may comprise any material substantially rigid or semi-rigid enough to maintain structural integrity during use. For example, the perforated receptacle  106 , the first enclosure  110 , and/or the second enclosure  114  may comprise metal, wood, ceramic, glass, fiberglass, plastic, composites and/or combinations thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second enclosures  110  and  114  may comprise plastic buckets. For instance, the first enclosure  110  may comprise a cylindrical five-gallon bucket and the second enclosure  114  may comprise a rectangular 14-gallon bucket. In some examples, both enclosures  110  and  114  may be cylindrical or both may be rectangular. In fact, the first and second enclosures  110  and  114  may comprise any shape and they may comprise the same shape or different shapes. In other examples, the first and second enclosures  110  and  114  may comprise another type of containment structure different than a bucket, such as a covered frame or a box. In some examples, the cell  102  may be one of multiple plant cells in a cell cluster, in which case, the second enclosure  114  of the cell  102  may be configured to mount in a larger frame of the cell cluster. 
     In some embodiments, the aeroponic root system  100  may comprise the fluid delivery system  120  passing into the first enclosure  110  and, in some examples, the second enclosure  130 . The fluid delivery system  120  may comprise a plurality of interconnected delivery components including a delivery loop  138  forming a first flow path into the first interior space  112  enclosed by the first enclosure  110 . In some examples, the delivery loop  138  may comprise a ring of tubing with an aperture  140  or multiple apertures disposed on the tubing. In other examples, the delivery loop  138  may comprise a square or rectangular profile, elongated circular profile, or any other shape. In some examples the delivery loop  138  may merely comprise a single linear tube. The delivery loop  138  may connect to a main supply line  142  via a T-fitting. In some examples, a mister, may be disposed on the delivery loop  138  for dispensing the fluid into the interior space  112 . In some the aperture  140  may comprise drilled holes to dispense a drip, spray, stream, and/or trickle of fluid into the interior space  112 . 
     In some examples, a second delivery loop  144  may form a second flow path for fluid into the second interior space  130 . The second delivery loop  144  may couple to the main supply line  142 , for instance, via an L-Fitting. The second delivery loop  144  may comprise any of the features or characteristics discussed above with regard to the first delivery loop  138 . The first and second delivery loops  138  and  144  may be substantially similar or substantially different. 
     In some examples, a third enclosure may partially surround or otherwise communicatively couple to the second enclosure  114 . A third flow path may convey fluid/s to the third enclosure using any of the delivery means described above with regard to the first and second enclosures  114 . For instance a third delivery ring may be disposed in the third enclosure for conveying fluid/s into an interior space of the third enclosure. In some examples, the aeroponic system  100  may comprise a fourth enclosure, a fifth enclosure, or any number of enclosures enclosing each other or otherwise communicatively coupled together to partition the interior spaces of the cell  102 . 
     In some embodiments, a fluid delivery  146  may be conveyed into the cell  102  via the fluid delivery system  120  according to a schedule log, as discussed in greater detail below. An excess fluid  148  (e.g., water) of the fluid delivery  146  may escape through a drainage system  150  and/or an excess fluid  152  (e.g., oxygen) may escape through the vent  136 . 
     In some examples, components of the cell  102 , such as the first enclosure  110  and/or the second enclosure  114  may have insulating properties. For instance, the first and second enclosures  110  and  114  may comprise a material, such as polymer, with low thermal conductivity so that a temperature within the cell  102  is maintained. As discussed in greater detail below, in some examples, a temperature within the cell  102  may be maintained between about 68° and about 72° Fahrenheit. 
     Illustrative Fluid Delivery System 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an example aeroponic system  200  comprising a fluid delivery system  202  for distributing a fluid or multiple fluids to a cell  204  or multiple cells of a cell cluster  206 . The fluid delivery system  202  may comprise an oxygen source  208  and/or a water source  210 . 
     In some examples, the oxygen source  208  may comprise a pump  212  for conveying oxygen from the oxygen source  208  into the cell  204 . For instance, a plurality of interconnected components may form a flow path from the oxygen source  208  into the first enclosure of the cell  204 . The plurality of interconnected components may comprise any type of tubing or plumbing components and/or hardware such as barbed, compression, yor-lok, flared, push-to-connect, quick-disconnect, and/or quick-turn tube fittings, flexible tubes or hoses (e.g., polyethylene, polyurethane, nylon, and/or vinyl), rigid tubes or hoses (e.g., metal, pvc, polycarbonate, acetal), angled, straight, elbow, and/or T-fittings, which, for example, can be purchased from McMaster-Carr Supply Company of Elmhurst, Ill. 
     In some examples, a second flow path may be formed by the plurality of interconnected components to convey oxygen from the oxygen source  208  into the second enclosure of the cell  204 . Excess oxygen  214  may escape from the cell  204  and/or the cell cluster  206  via one or more vents. 
     In some embodiments, a pump  216  may be provided for conveying water from the water source  210  into the cell  204 . For instance, the pump  216  may comprise a submersible fountain pump manufactured by Franklin Electric of Fort Wayne, Ind. In other examples, the pump  216  may comprise an external air-pressure pump, a line pump, or an injector pump. In some examples, the water may be conveyed into the first and/or second enclosures of the cell  204  using the same first and/or second flow paths used to convey oxygen from the oxygen source  208  into the cell  204 . The fluid delivery system  202  may comprise a drainage system  218 . For instance, each cell  204  of the cell cluster  206  may have a drainage hole in a bottom portion of the cell  204 . The drainage hole of each cell  204  may be communicatively coupled together via multiple fittings and/or hoses, as discussed above. Gravity may direct excess water through the drainage holes into the drainage system  218 , which may convey the excess water back to the water source  210 . The drainage system  218  may comprise a filter or multiple filters. For example, a filter may be disposed in line with the drainage holes of each cell  204  in the cell cluster  206 . The filter may remove any contaminations or particles unintentionally collected by the water as the water moves through the system so that the water may be reused. In some examples, the water source  210  and the fluid delivery system  202  including the drainage system  218  may comprise a cyclical water distribution flow, wherein the same water may be delivered, recollected, treated, and reused. The cyclical water distribution flow is discussed in greater detail below with regard to  FIG. 4 . 
     In some examples, the pumps  212  and  216  may convey their respective fluids into the fluid delivery system  202  via a plurality of interconnected delivery components. The pump  212  for conveying oxygen may comprise or couple to a switch  220  which toggles between an “on” and “off” position corresponding to the status of power provided to the pump  212 . The switch  220  may have various intermediate positions for toggling varying amounts of power to the pump  212 . In other examples, the switch  220  may be disposed remote from the pump  212 . For instance, the switch  220  may comprise a valve in series with and downstream in the oxygen flow path from the pump  212 . 
     In some embodiments, the switch  220  may communicatively couple (e.g., mechanically, fluidly, electrically, and/or via a wired or wireless data connection) to a timer  222 . In some examples, the timer  222  may comprise a manually set timer, such as a iGS-011 Precision Cycle Timer manufactured by Nova Biomatique Inc. of La Pocatiere, Quebec, which may include the switch  220  within the same housing. The timer  222  may comprise a schedule log  224  which may store a predetermined or preset schedule for oxygen delivery. For instance, the schedule log  224  may determine periods of time during which oxygen may be conveyed to the cell  204  and periods of time during which oxygen is not conveyed. The schedule log  224  may be stored digitally or by analog/mechanical means. 
     In some examples, the pump  216  for conveying water to the cell  204  may comprise a switch  226 . The switch  226  may comprise any of the characteristics or features or combinations thereof described above regarding the switch  220 . For instance, the switch  226  may communicatively couple to a timer  228  with a schedule log  230 . The switches  226  and  220  may comprise similar switches, different switches, or may, in fact, comprise a single switch disposed proximate or remote to the oxygen source  208  and/or the water source  210 . 
     In some examples, a controller  232  may communicatively couple to the oxygen source  208  and/or the water source  210 . The controller  232  may comprise an I/O control board in communication with a memory and/or processing unit. One or more of the schedule logs  224  and  230 , the timers  222  and  228 , the switches  220  and  226 , and the pumps  212  and  216  may communicatively couple to the controller  232  in any combination and/or may reside in the memory of the controller  232 . In other examples, the controller  232  may be omitted from the fluid delivery system  202 . In that case, the schedule logs  224  and  230  may be provided by mechanical means, such as by the timers  222  and  228 , and/or the switches  220  and  226  themselves. 
     In some examples, the fluid delivery system  202  may provide sustenance substances, such as oxygen and/or water, to a root system of the cell  204 . In some instances, the fluid delivery system  202  may provide the sustenance substances to a plurality of plants, each having its own root system within its own cell. The plurality of plants may comprise the cell cluster  206 . In some examples, a frame of the cell cluster may comprise a structure for positioning the plant cells in an array, row, column, stack, or any other arrangement for effective space allocation and/or use of gravity. In some examples, a configuration of the schedule logs  224  and  230  in conjunction with a configuration of the interconnected fluid delivery components may convey the sustenance substances to each cell at different times and/or in different amounts. In other examples, all plant of the cell cluster  206  may receive the sustenance substances from the fluid delivery system  202  at similar times and/or in similar amounts. In some examples, a fan system may be disposed proximate to the cell cluster  206  to provide a circulation of air, strengthening the plant stems and increasing their yield capabilities. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an oxygen source  300  of a fluid delivery system  302  for conveying oxygen to a cell  304  or a plurality of plant cells of a cell cluster  306 . The fluid delivery system  302  may comprise any of the characteristics or elements described above with regard to  FIG. 2 , but only the oxygen delivery portion of the fluid delivery system  302  is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Alternatively, the fluid delivery system  302  may comprise solely the oxygen delivery portion. 
     In some embodiments, the oxygen source  300  may comprise a purified oxygen generator  308 , such as s 5 liter Oxygen Concentrator with OSD manufactured by DeVilbiss Healthcare of Somerset, Pa. The oxygen generator  308  may comprise an air intake  310  for receiving air and a purifier  312  to extract purified oxygen gas from the received air. The oxygen generator  308  may comprise a pump  314  for conveying the purified oxygen gas into a main supply line  310  of the fluid delivery system  302 . As described above with regard to  FIG. 2 , the pump  314  may be controlled by a timer  316  and/or a schedule log  318 . In some examples the timer  316  and/or schedule log  318  may receive a controlling input  320  from a controller. In other examples, the timer  316  and/or the schedule log  318  may be set, adjusted, and/or controlled manually. 
     In some embodiments, the main supply line  310  may form a flow path for conveying purified oxygen  322  from the oxygen generator  308  into the cell  304  or the plurality of cells of the cell cluster  306 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the main supply line  310  may form a first flow path into a first enclosure of the cell  304  and a second flow path into a second enclosure of the cell  304 . Upon activation of the pump  314 , purified oxygen gas may travel through the main supply line  310  of the fluid delivery system  302  into the cell  304 , filling the first and second enclosures of the cell  304 . Excess or unconsumed purified oxygen  322  may exit the cell  304  or the plurality of cells  306  through one or more vents  324 . In some examples, purified oxygen  322  may flow in both directions of the main supply line  310 , such that water stored in the water source may receive supplemental oxygen. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an example water source  400  of a fluid delivery system  402  for conveying water to a cell  404  or a plurality of plant cells of a cell cluster  406 . The fluid delivery system  402  may comprise any of the characteristics or elements described above with regard to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , even though only the water delivery portion of the fluid delivery system  402  is illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Alternatively, the fluid delivery system  402  may comprise solely the water delivery portion. 
     In some embodiments, the water source  400  may comprise a first reservoir  408  for holding water, and a pump  410  for conveying the water from the first reservoir  408  to the cell  404  or the plurality of cells of the cell cluster  406 . As discussed above, the pump  410  may comprise a submersible pump or an external pump, such as a pump attached to a side of the reservoir with a dip-tube for accessing the water, or a line pump. The pump  410  may convey water to the cell  404  or the cell cluster  406  according to a timer  412  and/or schedule log  414 , as described above with regard to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
     In some examples, a chiller  416  communicatively coupled to a thermostat may be disposed in the first reservoir  408  for controlling a temperature of the water held in the first reservoir  408 . For instance, the water may be kept at a temperature between about 68° and about 72° Fahrenheit by the chiller  416 . In some examples, the temperature of the water may be kept at about 70° Fahrenheit by the chiller  416 . In some embodiments, a thermostat or thermometer may be disposed in the cell  404 , in which case the schedule log  414  may convey water at least partially responsive to an internal temperature of the cell  404 . 
     In some examples, the water source  400  may comprise a second reservoir  418  communicatively coupled to the first reservoir  408 . A pump  420  disposed in and/or communicatively coupled to the second reservoir  418  may convey water from the second reservoir  418  via a hose or tube to the first reservoir  408 . The pump  420  may communicatively couple to a float ballast  422  disposed in the first reservoir  408 . In some examples, the second reservoir  418  may be substantially similar to the first reservoir  408 . In other examples, the second reservoir  418  may be substantially different than the first reservoir  408 . For instance, the second reservoir  418  may comprise any water source, such as a spigot, a water line, a natural water feature (e.g., a lake, a stream, a river, a pond), or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the pump  420  may convey water from the second reservoir  418  into the first reservoir  408  when the float ballast  422  reaches or falls below a predetermined level. The second reservoir  418  may replenish the first reservoir  408  to maintain a certain volume of water in the first reservoir  408 . For instance, the replenishing of water may maintain a selected pH of the water in the first reservoir  408 . 
     In some examples, nutrients may be added to the water in the first reservoir  408  and/or the second reservoir  418 . Nutrients may be added manually or, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , may be conveyed from a nutrient reservoir  424  via a pump  426 . The nutrients may comprise any combination of potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus, iron, vitamin B, and/or other substances that promote plant growth. In some examples, the amounts and/or ratios of nutrients may be based at least partially on a type of the plant and/or a growth stage the plant is in when receiving the nutrients. The nutrient reservoir  424  may contain a solution of nutrients dissolved in water and may convey the nutrients into the first reservoir responsive to the level of the float ballast  422  and/or a switch  428  communicatively coupled to the timer  412  and/or the schedule log  414 . 
     In some embodiments, water may be conveyed from the water source  400  into a first enclosure and/or second enclosure of the cell  404  or the cell cluster  406  via a main supply line  430 . The main supply line  430  may be the same line used for conveying oxygen to the cell  404  or the cell cluster  406 . In some examples, excess water may exit each cell of the cell cluster  406  via a drainage system  432 , as discussed above with regard to  FIG. 2 . In some examples, a bottom surface of the cell  404  may comprise a slant to guide water, under the force of gravity, towards a drainage hole. Drainage holes of each cell of the cell cluster  406  may be interconnected. In some examples, gravity may direct the excess water into the first reservoir  408  and/or the second reservoir  418 , creating a cyclical flow of water through the fluid delivery system  402 . In other examples, a pump may convey the excess water from the drainage system  432  to the water source  400 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an example fluid delivery system  500  comprising a carbon dioxide source  502  for providing carbon dioxide to a plant  504  of a plant cell  506  or multiple plants of a cell cluster. The fluid delivery system  500  may also comprise an oxygen source and/or a water source, as discussed above. Alternatively, the carbon dioxide source  502  may comprise the only fluid source of the fluid delivery system  500 . 
     In some embodiments, the carbon dioxide source  502  may comprise a carbon dioxide storage tank  508  with an internal pressurization  510 . A valve  512  may couple to the storage tank  508  to release carbon dioxide when the valve  512  is in an open position. 
     In some examples, the valve  512  may communicatively couple to a timer  514  and/or a schedule log  516  that controls the position of the valve  512 . Carbon dioxide may be expelled by the pressurization  510  into a carbon dioxide delivery line  518  when the valve  512  is in the open position. In other examples the carbon dioxide source  502  may comprise a carbon dioxide generator, such as a propane burner. 
     In some examples, the delivery line  518  and associated components for connecting to the carbon dioxide source  502  and dispensing carbon dioxide may comprise any of the aforementioned plurality of fluid delivery components. In some embodiments, a carbon dioxide delivery loop  520  may be disposed in series with the delivery line  518  and/or may receive carbon dioxide from the delivery line  518 . The delivery loop  520  may be disposed on, above, and/or proximate to a receptacle  522  for holding a base  524  (e.g., roots) of the plant  504 . For instance, the delivery loop  520  may encircle a lower portion of a stem  526  of the plant  504 . In some embodiments, the delivery loop  520  may comprise a ring, rectangle, square, or triangle shape. In other embodiments, the delivery loop  520  may merely comprise a linear length of tube. 
     In some embodiments, the carbon dioxide delivery loop  520  may comprise hose or tubing, as discussed above. An aperture  522  or a plurality of apertures may be disposed on the delivery loop  520  for releasing carbon dioxide from the delivery loop  520  around the plant  504 . For instance, carbon dioxide may be released from the delivery loop  520  into the air surrounding the plant  504 , the stem  526  (e.g., a lower portion of the stem  526 ), and/or the base  524 . Carbon dioxide released from the delivery loop  520  may be consumed by the plant  504 , including a leaf or plurality of leaves  528  which may absorb some of the carbon dioxide through stomata. In some examples, misters, valves, nozzles, and/or other mechanisms may be disposed on the delivery loop  520  to assist in dispensing carbon dioxide. 
     In some examples, the carbon dioxide delivery loop  520  may supply carbon dioxide to the plant  504 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , a second carbon dioxide delivery loop  530  may supply carbon dioxide to a second plant  532 . The second delivery loop  530  may be connected to the first delivery loop  520  via any combination of interconnected delivery components. Although two delivery loops  520  and  530  for supplying carbon dioxide to two plants  504  and  532  are shown in  FIG. 5 , any number of delivery loops may be used to supply carbon dioxide to any number of plants. For instance, four delivery loops may supply carbon dioxide to four plants in the manner described above. In some examples, each plant of a cell cluster may have a corresponding delivery loop  520  disposed around its base. Each delivery loop  520  may supply carbon dioxide to each plant from the carbon dioxide source  502 . In some examples, each individual plant of a cell cluster may be provided its own localized distribution of carbon dioxide from each of the delivery loops  520 . In this way, health hazards of carbon dioxide exposure (e.g., dizziness, disorientation, asphyxiation, depression of the central nervous system) can be avoided. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an example schedule log  600  for a fluid delivery system  602 . The schedule log  600  may comprise information, data, and/or actions that determine or control the times and/or durations during which a fluid, such as water, oxygen, and/or carbon dioxide is conveyed from a fluid source to a plant cell or a cell cluster. For instance, the schedule log  600  may determine the times and/or durations that any of the aforementioned pumps are supplied power and/or valves are opened so fluid may be conveyed through the main supply line. 
     In some examples, the schedule log  600  may comprise data stored in a memory for controlling the pumps of the fluid sources when processed by a processing unit. In some examples, the schedule log  600  may comprise a user manually setting a timer or multiple timers in communication with a switch or multiple switches. In some examples, the schedule log  600  may comprise any combination of manual, analog, mechanical settings and/or digital/data settings that determine the times and/or durations of fluid delivery from a fluid source or a plurality of fluid sources to a plant cell or a plant cell cluster. 
     In some examples, the schedule log  600  may comprise a single fluid delivery schedule or multiple fluid delivery schedules. For instance, the schedule log  600  may comprise a water delivery schedule  604 , an oxygen delivery schedule  606 , and/or a carbon dioxide delivery schedule  608 . Each fluid delivery schedule  604 ,  606 , and  608  may comprise “on” and “off” duration information for a first growth stage  610  of a plant associated with the schedule log  602 . The “on” and “off” duration information may comprise a number of seconds, minutes, hours, and/or days during which a pump for the fluid source associated with the delivery schedule is active and inactive. The “on” and “off” duration information may indicate when and/or for how long fluid is provided from a fluid source to a plant cell. Additionally or alternatively, the delivery schedules  604 ,  606 , and/or  608  may define a specific quantity of each fluid to dispense. 
     In some examples, “on” and “off” duration information for a second growth stage  612  may also be included in the schedule log  600 . In fact, any number of N growth stages may be represented by “on” and “off” duration information. For instance, the number and types of growth stages in the schedule log  600  may correspond to the number and types of growth stages of the plant being supplied fluid/s. For instance, different types of plants may have different growth stages for different durations. By way of example and not limitation, the growth stages of the plant may comprise a germination stage, a seedling stage, an early vegetative stage, a middle vegetative stage, a late vegetative stage, an early flowering stage, a middle flowering stage, a late flowering stage, a harvesting stage, and/or combinations thereof. 
     In some examples, the schedule log  600  may comprise the first growth stage  610 , which may be an early vegetative stage. The schedule log  600  may comprise the water delivery schedule  604  which, during the first growth stage  610 , may comprise about four minutes of water delivery on, followed by about 10 minutes of water delivery off. The “on” and “off” durations of the schedule log  600  may repeat for any number of days, weeks, and/or months until the associated growth stage is over or a subsequent growth stage has been entered by the plant. 
     In some embodiments, the schedule log  600  may comprise the water delivery schedule  604  which, during the first growth stage  610 , may comprise about one minute to about fifteen minutes of water delivery on, followed by about one minute to about fifteen minutes of water delivery off. However, the first growth stage  610  may comprise another water delivery schedule with other amounts of time on or off depending, at least in part, on a type and/or age of the plant being provided water. 
     In some examples, the schedule log  600  may comprise the oxygen delivery schedule  606  which, during the first growth stage  610 , may comprise about one minute of oxygen delivery on, followed by about 59 minutes of oxygen delivery off. In some examples, the oxygen delivery schedule  606  may comprise about 30 seconds to about two minutes of oxygen delivery on, followed by about 30 minutes to about three hours of oxygen delivery off. However, the first growth stage  610  may comprise another oxygen delivery schedule with other amounts of time on or off depending, at least in part, on a type and/or age of the plant being provided oxygen. 
     In some embodiments, the schedule log  600  may comprise the carbon dioxide delivery schedule  608  which, during the first growth stage  610 , may comprise about 45 minutes of carbon dioxide delivery on, followed by about seven hours of carbon dioxide delivery off. In some examples, the carbon dioxide delivery schedule  608  may comprise about 15 minutes to about an hour of carbon dioxide delivery on, followed by about four hours to about 24 hours of carbon dioxide delivery off. However, the first growth stage  610  may comprise another carbon dioxide delivery schedule with other amounts of time on or off depending, at least in part, on a type and/or age of the plant being provided carbon dioxide. 
       FIG. 6  further illustrates an interval  614  of the first growth stage  610 . The interval  614  may comprise an example interval of one hour of fluid delivery according to the schedule log  600 . In some examples, the oxygen delivery schedule  606  may convey oxygen once during the interval  614 . In some examples, the oxygen delivery schedule  606  may convey oxygen during a period of the interval  614  in between deliveries of water, or during an “off” period of water delivery. In some examples, the carbon dioxide delivery schedule  608  may convey carbon dioxide during a same period of the interval  614  that water and/or oxygen is being conveyed. For instance, carbon dioxide may be conveyed to an upper portion of the plant at a same time that water and/or oxygen is conveyed to a root portion of the plant. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the schedule log  600  may comprise the second growth stage  612 , which, for instance, may comprise a late vegetative stage. In the second growth stage  612 , the “on” and “off” duration information of the water delivery schedule  604 , the oxygen delivery schedule  606 , and/or the carbon dioxide delivery schedule  608  may be substantially the same or substantially different than the “on” and “off” duration information of the first growth stage  610 . 
     In some examples, the schedule log  600  may comprise an Nth growth stage  616 , which, for instance, may comprise a final growth stage and/or a flowering stage of the plant. In some examples, the schedule log  600  may comprise the water delivery schedule  604  which, during the Nth growth stage  616 , may comprise about two minutes of water delivery on, followed by about 10 minutes of water delivery off In some examples, the water delivery schedule  606  may about one minute to about three minutes of water delivery on, followed by about 5 minutes to about 20 minutes of water delivery off. However, the Nth growth stage  616  may comprise another water delivery schedule with other amounts of time on or off depending, at least in part, on a type and/or age of the plant being provided water. 
     In some examples, the schedule log  600  may comprise the oxygen delivery schedule  606  which, during the Nth growth stage  616 , may comprise about 90 seconds of oxygen delivery on, followed by about 58.5 minutes of oxygen delivery off. In some examples, the oxygen delivery schedule  606  may comprise about one minute to about three minutes of oxygen delivery on, followed by about 30 minutes to about two hours of oxygen delivery off. However, the Nth growth stage  616  may comprise another oxygen delivery schedule with other amounts of time on or off depending, at least in part, on a type and/or age of the plant being provided oxygen. 
     In some embodiments, the schedule log  600  may comprise the carbon dioxide delivery schedule  608  which, during the Nth growth stage  616 , may comprise about 20 minutes of carbon dioxide delivery on, followed by about 11 hours of carbon dioxide delivery off. In some examples, the carbon dioxide delivery schedule  608  may comprise about 5 minutes to about an hour of carbon dioxide delivery on, followed by about two hours to about 24 hours of carbon dioxide delivery off. However, the Nth growth stage  616  may comprise another carbon dioxide delivery schedule with other amounts of time on or off depending, at least in part, on a type and/or age of the plant being provided carbon dioxide. 
     As discussed above, in some examples, the schedule log  600  may comprise any number of growth stages, which may correspond to a type or age of the plant being provided fluids. The “on” and “off” duration information of each delivery schedule (e.g., water, oxygen, and carbon dioxide) for each growth stage may correspond to an optimal amount of the fluid consumable by the plant. For instance, a plant may only be able to consume a limited amount of water during an early vegetative stage. Accordingly, the schedule log may provide this amount of water during the early vegetative stage. The plant may be able to consume a different, greater amount of water during a late vegetative stage. Accordingly, the schedule log may provide a different amount of water during the late vegetative stage. In some embodiments, an amount of a fluid (e.g., water, oxygen, or carbon dioxide) may be provided to the plant according to the plant&#39;s optimum fluid intake. The delivery schedules of the schedule log may correspond to an optimum fluid intake specific to the type of plant and/or the growth stage/s of the plant. In some examples, more oxygen may be provided in later growth stages than in earlier growth stages. 
     In some examples, the schedule log  600  may determine an amount of fluid/s (e.g., water, oxygen, and/or carbon dioxide) conveyed to the plant according to “on” and “off” duration information associated with a fluid source corresponding to each fluid. In other examples, the schedule log  600  may instead indicate an actual quantity of the fluid/s to be provided. For instance, the schedule log  600  may indicate that half a gallon of water is to be conveyed to the plant during the interval  614 . In some examples, the difference between “on” and “off” duration information and actual quantity information may merely be a matter of conversion based on a pump rate. For instance, the pump for conveying water from the water source may comprise a pump rate of 10 gallons/minute. In this instance, 4 minutes of water delivery “on” corresponds to an actual quantity of 40 gallons delivered. 
     In some examples, the plant cell may have a drainage system and/or a vent for allowing excess fluid/s to escape. Because excess fluid/s may escape, it may be suitable to convey fluids according to “on” and “off” duration information rather than an actual quantity of fluid, even though the “on” and “off” duration information may be easily converted into the actual quantity of fluid provided. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an aeroponic system  700  in multiple growth stages. The multiple growth stages may comprise a plant  702  in a seedling stage  704 , a vegetative stage  706 , an early flowering stage  708  and a late flowering stage  710 . 
     In some examples, a fluid delivery  712  may be provided to the plant  702  when the plant  702  is in the seedling stage  704 . The fluid delivery  712  may provide water, nutrients, and/or oxygen to a root structure  714  of the plant  702 . In some examples, the water, nutrients, and/or oxygen may be provided in optimal amounts for consumption by the plant  702 . In some examples, the optimal fluid amounts may be specific to a type of the plant  702  and/or a growth stage of the plant  702 . The optimal fluid amounts may comprise a maximum amount of a fluid consumable by the plant  702  that does not increase a vulnerability of the plant  702  to diseases, such as pythium. 
     In some embodiments, the root structure  714  of the plant  702  may be retained by a perforated receptacle  716 . In some examples, the root structure  714  may be entirely contained in the perforated receptacle  716  during the seedling stage  704 . 
     In some examples, a fluid delivery  718  may be provided to the plant  702  when the plant  702  is in the vegetative stage  706 . The fluid delivery  718  may provide water, nutrients, and/or oxygen during the vegetative stage  706  in amounts different than the fluid delivery  712  provided during the seedling stage  704 . In some examples, the optimal fluid consumption amounts of the plant  702  may be different during the vegetative stage  706  than in the seedling stage  704 . For instance, the plant  702  may be capable of consuming more water in the vegetative stage  706  than in the seedling stage  704  without increasing the vulnerability of the plant to disease. Accordingly, the fluid delivery  718  may provide more water during the vegetative stage  706  than the fluid delivery  712  during the seedling stage  704 . In other examples, the fluid deliveries  718  and  712  may provide substantially the same amounts of fluids to the plant  702 . 
     In some embodiments, the root structure  714  of the plant  702  may be entirely contained in the perforated receptacle  716  during the vegetative stage  706 . In other examples, the root structure  714  may enter a first root chamber  720  of a plant cell  722  in the vegetative stage  706 . 
     In some examples, a fluid delivery  724  may be provided to the plant  702  when the plant  702  is in the early flowering stage  708 . The fluid delivery  724  may provide water, nutrients, and/or oxygen during the early flowering stage  708  in amounts different than the fluid deliveries  712  and/or  718  provided during the seedling stage  704  and/or the vegetative stage  706 , respectively. In some embodiments, the optimal fluid consumption amounts of the plant  702  during the early flowering stage  708  may be specific to the type of plant  702  and/or an age of the plant  702 . For instance, a plant may be capable of consuming more oxygen during the early flowering stage  708  than during the vegetative stage  706 . Accordingly, the fluid delivery  724  may provide more oxygen during the early flowering stage  708  than the fluid delivery  718  provides during the vegetative stage  706 . 
     In some embodiments, the root structure  714  of the plant  702  may be at least partially disposed in the first root chamber  720  of the cell  722  when the plant  702  is in the early flowering stage  708 . In some examples, the root structure  714  may enter the first root chamber  720  when the plant  702  transitions from the vegetative stage  706  to the early flowering stage  708 . In some instances, the root structure  714  may be at least partially disposed in both the first root chamber  720  and a second root chamber  726  of the cell  722  when the plant  702  is in the early flowering stage  708 . 
     In some examples, a fluid delivery  728  may be provided to the plant  702  when the plant  702  is in the late flowering stage  710 . The fluid delivery  728  may provide water, nutrients, and/or oxygen during the late flowering stage  710  in amounts different than any of the previously discussed fluid deliveries  712 ,  718 , and/or  724 , or in amounts similar to any of the previously discussed fluid deliveries  712 ,  718 , and/or  724 . The fluid delivery  728  during the late flowering stage  710  may provide optimal amounts of water, nutrients, and/or oxygen for consumption by the plant  702 . In some instances, the late flowering stage  710  or the early flowering stage  708  may comprise fluid deliveries  728  or  724  that provide more oxygen to the plant  702  than fluid deliveries during other growth stages. 
     In some embodiments, the root structure  714  of the plant  702  may be at least partially disposed in the first root chamber  720  and the second root chamber  726  of the cell  722  when the plant  704  is in the late flowering stage  710 . In some examples, the root structure  714  may at least partially fill an interior space of the first root chamber  720  and/or the second root chamber  726  when the plant  702  is in the early flowering stage  708  or the late flowering stage  710 . For instance, when flowering, the root structure  714  may pass through a divider  730  between the first root chamber  720  and the second root chamber  724 . In some examples, during flowering, the root structure  714  of the plant  702  may at least partially fill the interior space such that it abuts a bottom wall  732  of the first root chamber  720 , a side wall  734  of the first root chamber  720 , a bottom wall  736  of the second root chamber  726 , and/or a side wall  738  of the second root chamber  726 . 
     Although the multiple growth stages are illustrated in  FIG. 7  as four discrete stages, any number of growth stages may be omitted, added, and/or combined. For instance, the early flowering stage  708  and the late flowering stage  710  may be considered a single flowering stage. Further, any number of growth stages may have intermediate, transitional, or overlapping stages. 
     Illustrative Aeroponic Fluid Delivery Method 
       FIG. 8  is a flow diagram illustrating an example method  800  for increasing a yield of a plant with an aeroponic system. For convenience, the method  800  will be described with reference to the aeroponic system as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-7 , but the method  800  is not limited to use with this system. While  FIG. 8  illustrates an example order, in some instances, the described operations in this and all other methods described herein may be performed in other orders and/or in parallel. Further, some operations of the method  800  may be omitted, repeated, and/or combined. 
     In some examples, the method  800  may begin at operation  802 , where a root system of a plant is established proximate to and/or connecting to an enclosed space. The establishing may comprise a germination process of a seed in a growing medium, such as soil, rocks, plastic beads, glass marbles, hygroten, foam, and/or rockwool. In some examples, the growing medium may be proximate to and/or connected to the enclosed space prior to the germination process. In other examples, the seed may be germinated distal from the enclosed space, then relocated proximate to and/or connected to the enclosed space. For instance, the establishing may comprise positioning and/or securing a root system proximate to and/or connected to the enclosed space. 
     In some embodiments, the method  800  may include operation  804 , where a first oxygen, water, and/or carbon dioxide delivery schedule is determined based on a growing stage and/or a type of the plant. For instance, the delivery schedules may be configured to provide an optimal amount of fluid (e.g., water, oxygen, and/or carbon dioxide) to the plant based on how much of that fluid the plant can consume at the growth stage of the plant without increasing a vulnerability to disease (e.g., root rot). The oxygen, water, and/or carbon dioxide delivery schedules may be stored in a schedule log and/or in mechanical means, such as a combination of timers and switches. Each fluid delivery schedule may communicatively couple to its corresponding fluid source and/or the delivery means (e.g., pumps, valves, interconnected delivery components, etc.) of each fluid source. 
     In some examples, the method  800  may include operation  806 , where purified oxygen is conveyed from a purified oxygen source into the enclosed space according to the first oxygen delivery schedule. For instance, the oxygen source may comprise a purified oxygen generator coupled to a switch. In some examples, the first oxygen delivery schedule may comprise a timer setting controllably connected to the switch, executable instructions stored in a memory, or combinations thereof. The purified oxygen may comprise a gas having an oxygen percentage substantially greater than the oxygen percentage of air. For instance the purified oxygen may comprise a gas having about 30% oxygen, about 40% oxygen, about 50% oxygen, about 60% oxygen, about 70% oxygen, about 80% oxygen, about 90% oxygen, about 95% oxygen, about 98% oxygen, about 99% oxygen, a percentage of oxygen between any of the aforementioned percentages, or any other percentage of oxygen greater than the percentage of oxygen present in air. In some examples, the purified oxygen may comprise air with a greater oxygen percentage than the air within the enclosed space. For instance, oxygen may be consumed by the roots of the plant, depleting the oxygen of the air in the enclosed space. Providing external air into the enclosed space would, in this instance, increase the purity of oxygen of the air in the enclosed space. 
     In some embodiments, the method  800  may include operation  808 , where water is conveyed from a water source to the enclosed space according to the first water delivery schedule. For instance, the water source may comprise a single water reservoir or multiple water reservoirs communicatively coupled together. The water delivery schedule may convey water to the enclosed space using the same main supply line that conveys the oxygen. In some examples, the water delivery schedule may alternate with the oxygen delivery schedule such that only oxygen or water is conveyed at any particular point in time. In some examples, water and oxygen may be conveyed at a same time. In some embodiments, the water may comprise a nutrient solution. 
     In some examples, the method  800  may include operation  810 , where carbon dioxide is conveyed from a carbon dioxide source to the plant. The carbon dioxide source may comprise a pressurized storage tank or a carbon dioxide generator, such as a propane burner. In some embodiments, carbon dioxide may be conveyed to the plant with a carbon dioxide delivery loop positioned around a base or a stem of the plant. The carbon dioxide delivery loop may comprise a ring of tubing for distributing carbon dioxide to an individual plant. Multiple carbon dioxide delivery loops may convey carbon dioxide to multiple plants, each positioned around a base of a plant. In some examples, the carbon dioxide delivery loop may increase the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air immediately proximate to the plant. 
     In some embodiments, the method  800  may include operation  812 , where the oxygen source is adjusted to convey purified oxygen according to a second oxygen delivery schedule when the plant enters a different growth stage. The adjustment may be made automatically, for instance, by a processor coupled to a schedule log, or the adjustment may be made manually, for instance, by adjusting the settings on a mechanical timer. The different growth stage may comprise any of the aforementioned growth stages. For instance, the oxygen source may be adjusted to increase the amount of purified oxygen conveyed to the plant when the plant enters a flowering stage. 
     In some examples, the method  800  may include operation  814 , where the water source is adjusted to convey water according to a second water delivery schedule when the plant enters a different growth stage. The different growth stage may be the same growth stage entered by the plant in operation  812 , or it may be distinct from the growth stage entered in operation  812 . Like operation  812 , the adjustment in operation  814  may be made automatically or manually. In some examples, the adjustment may comprise a change in an amount of water conveyed, a change in the nutrients added to the water conveyed, a change in the pH of the water conveyed, a change in the temperature of the water conveyed, and/or combinations thereof. 
     In some examples, the method  800  may include operation  816 , where the carbon dioxide source is adjusted to convey carbon dioxide to the plant according to a second carbon dioxide delivery schedule when the plant enters a different growth stage. The different growth stage may be the same stage entered by the plant in operations  812  or  814  or the different growth stage may be distinct from the growth stage entered in operations  812  or  814 . The adjustment may be made manually or automatically. In some examples, the second carbon dioxide delivery schedule may reduce an amount of carbon dioxide conveyed when the plant enters a flowering stage. 
     Conclusion 
     Although this disclosure uses language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the scope of the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementation.