Patent Publication Number: US-2021176935-A1

Title: Rotary aeroponic apparatus and method

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a national phase entry of International Application No. PCT/US2019/047159 which was filed Aug. 20, 2019 and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/765,261 filed on Aug. 20, 2018, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein in entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates generally to an aeroponic system and more specifically to an automated rotary aeroponic system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Gardening and farming edible produce is becoming increasingly important as the human population continues to grow and the available resources for conventional farming are reduced. More specifically, conventional farming requires large, open fields that allow a seed for a crop to be deposited in a nutrient rich soil. The seed requires the proper access to the sun, water, and any other nutrients not sufficiently available in the soil. Conventional farming is two-dimensional wherein the fields are substantially planar and only one layer of crop is typically planted in the field. Accordingly, the typical farm requires large areas of land with ample access to the sun. 
     Further still, only certain areas of the world provide the proper climate to cultivate certain crops. For example, the Midwestern United States may provide a climate that is ideal for crops like corn and soybeans. However, the climate in Brazil may be better suited for producing coffee and citrus fruits. Accordingly, conventional farming is limited at least by the availability of land and the climate of the region to be farmed. 
     Flat growing operations suffer from canopy formation, which prevents the lower leaves from receiving full light contact. The formation of a canopy often substantially restricts the plant growth because of the reduced exposure to the light source. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a system that easily and efficiently creates an environment conducive to plant growth. Further still, there is a need for a system that can be implemented in urban environments to provide access to fresh crops when the proper land or climate conditions are not available naturally. The present disclosure provides several teachings that address the above concerns. 
     SUMMARY 
     One embodiment of the present disclosure is a plant growing apparatus that has at least one panel separating an interior from a surrounding environment and a plant housing assembly positioned at least partially in the interior, the plant housing assembly comprising at least one growth ring that defines at least one plant opening through a radial bend in a growth ring wall. 
     In one example of this embodiment, the plant housing assembly contains a plurality of growth rings coupled to one another. 
     In another example, the growth ring further has an alignment surface defined at a top portion of the growth ring about a plant axis that has a first diameter and an overlap section defined at a bottom portion of the growth ring about the plant axis that has a second diameter. Wherein, the first diameter may deform to be slightly greater than the second diameter. In one aspect of this example, the plant housing assembly contains a first growth ring and a second growth ring, the overlap section of the first growth ring is positioned radially inside of the alignment surface of the second growth ring. 
     In yet another example, the growth ring has at least one tab extending radially away from the growth ring on a bottom portion and at least one notch defined axially through the growth ring wall along a top portion of the growth ring. In one aspect of this example, the plant housing assembly contains a first growth ring and a second growth ring, the tab of the first growth ring is sized to be positioned at least partially within the notch of the second growth ring to form a portion of the plant housing assembly, wherein the tab is positioned within the notch to rotationally couple the first growth ring to the second growth ring. 
     In another example of this embodiment, the growth ring has an alignment surface defined at a top portion of the growth ring about a plant axis that has a first diameter, an overlap section defined at a bottom portion of the growth ring about the plant axis that has a second diameter, at least one tab extending radially away from the growth ring on the bottom portion, and at least one notch defined axially through the growth ring wall along the top portion of the growth ring. In one aspect of this example, the plant housing assembly contains a first growth ring and a second growth ring, the overlap section of the first growth ring is positioned radially inside of the alignment surface of the second growth ring, and the tab of the first growth ring is sized to be positioned at least partially within the notch of the second growth ring to form a portion of the plant housing assembly. Wherein, the overlap section contacts the alignment surface to maintain coaxial alignment between the first and second growth ring and the tab is positioned within the notch to rotationally couple the first growth ring to the second growth ring. 
     Another example of this embodiment has a bottom portion and a top cover, wherein the at least one growth ring is positioned between the bottom portion and the top cover to define an interior passage there between. In one aspect of this example, the plant housing assembly is rotationally coupled to the plant growing apparatus through a friction reducing mechanism positioned between the bottom portion and a base plate. These friction reducing mechanisms can include, but are not limited to, ball bearings, caster wheels, a flotation assembly for the plant housing, a magnetically levitating assembly, and a low friction bushing. 
     Yet another example has a door that transitions from a closed position to an opened position. Wherein in the closed position the door substantially isolates an opening in the at least one panel from the surrounding environment and in the opened position the door allows access to the interior through the opening. One aspect of this example includes a sensor on the door that communicates with a controller to identify the position of the door and a light source positioned to provide light to the plant housing assembly. Wherein, the brightness of the light source is reduced when the controller identifies the door is in the opened position with the sensor to prevent eye damage of the user when the door is opened. 
     Another example of this embodiment has a drawer positioned at a bottom portion of the plant growing apparatus, the drawer being slidable between a closed position and an opened position, wherein the drawer is configured to receive a reservoir therein to contain a fluid. One aspect of this example includes a pump that selectively draws fluid from the reservoir and distributes the fluid into an interior passage defined in part by the growth ring and a locking mechanism that selectively restricts the drawer from transitioning from the closed position to the opened position. Wherein the locking mechanism restricts the drawer from transitioning from the closed position to the opened position when the pump is distributing fluid into the interior passage. 
     Yet another example of this embodiment includes a fluid system that selectively provides fluid to an interior passage of the growth ring, the fluid system comprising a pump and at least one of a nebulizer, a UV light, anode probes, and a deionizer, and an electrical system that monitors the quality and level of a fluid in the fluid system, the electrical system comprising a fluid level sensor and a flow meter. 
     Another embodiment of this disclosure is a system for growing plants that includes at least one panel separating an interior from a surrounding environment, a plant housing assembly that has at least one growth ring positioned between a top cover and a bottom portion to define an interior passage, a fluid system having a pump positioned to distribute a fluid from a reservoir to the interior passage, an electrical system having at least one sensor that monitors the fluid, and a controller that communicates with the fluid system and electrical system to generate an environment in the interior that promotes plant growth. 
     In one example of this embodiment is the electrical system includes at least a light source, a camera, and a motor that selectively rotates the plant housing assembly. 
     In another example of this embodiment, the fluid system has a flow meter, a deionizer, a UV light, anode probes, a fluid level sensor, a nebulizer, and a water condenser all in communication with the controller to manipulate the quality and volume of the fluid. 
     Yet another example of this embodiment has at least one fan that selectively provides airflow between the interior and the surrounding environment, wherein the fan has an insect resistant screen that may have an electric current running through the screen to kill any insects that the screen contacts. 
     Yet another embodiment of this disclosure is a method for growing plants that includes providing at least one panel separating an interior from a surrounding environment, a plant housing assembly that has at least one growth ring that defines a plant opening therein and is positioned between a top cover and a bottom portion to define an interior passage, a fluid system having a pump positioned to distribute a fluid from a reservoir to the interior passage, an electrical system having at least one sensor that monitors the fluid, and a controller that communicates with the fluid system and electrical system, coupling a power supply of the electrical system to a power source, positioning at least one plant pod within the plant opening of the growth ring, communicating, to the controller, the type of plant in the plant pod, and manipulating the environment of the interior with the electrical system and the fluid system to create an environment that promotes efficient growth of the plant in the plant pod. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned aspects of the present disclosure and the manner of obtaining them will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments of the disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an elevated perspective view of a plant growing apparatus; 
         FIG. 2  is an elevated perspective view of the plant growing apparatus of  FIG. 1  with a door removed; 
         FIG. 3  is an elevated perspective view of the plant growing apparatus of  FIG. 2  with a drawer face removed; 
         FIG. 4  is an elevated perspective view of the plant growing apparatus of  FIG. 2  with a drawer in a partially opened position; 
         FIG. 5  is an bottom elevated perspective view of the plant growing apparatus of  FIG. 1  with several components removed; 
         FIG. 6  is a front section view of the plant growing apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom section view of the plant growing apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a back elevated perspective view of the plant growing apparatus of  FIG. 8  with a back panel removed; 
         FIG. 9  is a partial side section view of the plant growing apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is another partial side section view of the plant growing apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11 , is another partial side section view of the plant growing apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 12  is an isolated bottom perspective view of a drive system of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view of growth rings from the plant growing apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of a growth ring from the plant growing apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 15  is a section view of the growth ring of  FIG. 14 . 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present disclosure. 
     A plant growing apparatus and method are generally explained in International Publication No. WO 2018/068042 and the detailed description and figures of that publication are incorporated herein by reference. Similarly, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/701,908 describes an automated plant growing system and the contents of that application are incorporated herein by reference. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a plant growing apparatus  100  is illustrated. The plant growing apparatus  100  can be an enclosure that provides a climate-controlled interior  202  that houses at least one plant housing assembly  204 . The growing apparatus  100  may have one or more panel  102  that surround the interior  202 . In the non-exclusive embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the plant growing apparatus  100  may be substantially rectangular in shape and have a first and second side panel  104 ,  106 , a back panel  110 , front panels  112 , a top panel  108 , and bottom panels  114 . 
     While a rectangular plant growing apparatus  100  is illustrated, this disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. Rather, any three-dimensional geometric shape may be used to separate the interior  202  from a surrounding environment  116 . More specifically, the plant growing apparatus  100  may have a cylindrical, hexagonal, octagonal, triangular, or the like cross-section and this disclosure considers any shape of growing apparatus  100 . Accordingly, the term “panel” may is not limited to a planar member but may also include curved or cylindrical elements as well. 
     The growing apparatus  100  may be sized and shaped to fit in a standard residential kitchen or the like area. For example, in one non-exclusive embodiment the plant growing apparatus  100  is sized to fit into a standard base cabinet opening wherein the plant growing apparatus  100  can be positioned under a countertop. Further still other configurations considered herein may be sized and shaped like a standard refrigerator or the like wherein the plant growing apparatus  100  may occupy a similar space as a standard sized refrigerator. Further still, the teachings of this disclosure can be implemented in larger structures like buildings. In this embodiment, the plant growing apparatus  100  may be an entire building and the interior  202  may be the inside of the building. In yet another example, a shipping container could be repurposed with a plant housing positioned therein to make a modular hydroponic farm that can be easily transported. Accordingly, this disclosure considers implementing many different dimensions for the plant growing apparatus  100 . 
     In one aspect of this disclosure, the front panels  112  may include a door  118  and a drawer  120 . The door  118  may be rotationally coupled to the remaining components of the plant growing apparatus  100  about a door axis  122 . Accordingly, the door  118  may rotate about the door axis  122  between a closed position as illustrated in  FIG. 1  and an opened position. In the closed position, the door  118  and remaining panels  102  may substantially isolate the interior  202  from the surrounding environment  116 . Alternatively, in the opened position, the door  118  may allow a user to access the interior region  202  from the surrounding environment. 
     In one aspect of this disclosure, the door  118  may have a door switch  302  positioned to identify when the door  118  is not in the closed position. The door switch  302  may be a reed switch or any other type sensor capable of identifying the position of the door  118 . In one non-exclusive example of this disclosure, the door switch  302  may communicate with a controller  726  to identify when the door is not in the closed position. Further, the controller  726  may implement a response, such as dimming a light source  304 , when the door  118  is no longer in the closed position. 
     Similarly, the drawer  120  may be movable between the closed position of  FIG. 1  and an opened position. More specifically, the drawer  120  may move axially along a drawer axis  124  between the closed and opened positions. A drawer switch  306  may also be coupled to the plant growing apparatus  100  and communicate with the controller  726  to identify when the drawer  120  is not in the closed position. Further, the controller  726  may implement a response, such as restricting a pump flow, when the drawer  120  is no longer in the closed position. 
     The drawer  120  may further have a locking mechanism  308 , such as a solenoid lock pin, positioned to selectively restrict the drawer  120  from moving from the closed position to the opened position. The controller  726  may communicate with the locking mechanism  308  to restrict the drawer  120  from moving to the opened position when the controller  726  determines a fluid flow is being implemented in the plant growing apparatus  100 . As will be described in more detail herein, the drawer  120  may provide access to a reservoir  310  positioned therein. The reservoir  310  may be sized to capture and contain fluid distributed through the plant growing apparatus  100 . When the drawer  120  is in the opened position, the reservoir  310  may no longer be positioned to properly capture fluid draining from the plant housing assembly  204 . Accordingly, in one non-exclusive example of this disclosure the controller  726  may maintain the locking mechanism  308  in the locked position until the plant housing assembly  204  has had sufficient time to drain fluid therefrom into the reservoir  310 . 
     Next to the drawer  120  may be an input  128 . The input  128  may be a button or any other user selectable device that allows the user to provide instructions to the controller  726 . In one non-exclusive example, the input  128  may be a button and the user may press and hold the button for a preset time limit to reset or otherwise power down the plant growing apparatus  100 . While the input  128  is illustrated next to the drawer  120 , other locations for the input  128  are also considered herein. For example, the input  128  may be coupled to any panel of the plant growing apparatus  100 . Further still, the input  128  may be positioned inside wherein the drawer  120  must be opened to access the input  128 . Further still, the input  128  may communicate any desired user preference to the controller  726  and the example provided is not meant to be exhaustive. 
     The reservoir  310  may sit on a drawer pan  602  to be moved between the opened and closed position. In one aspect of this disclosure, the drawer pan  602  may be a substantially fluid tight reservoir itself. More specifically, the drawer pan  602  may have a base portion and surrounding side portions that create a fluid tight sub-reservoir in which the reservoir  310  may be placed. In this configuration, the drawer pan  602  may be capable of capturing and containing a volume of fluid when the reservoir  310  is not positioned therein but fluid is dripping or otherwise flowing from the plant housing assembly  204 . 
     The drawer pan  602  may be slidably coupled to the plant growing apparatus  100  along the drawer axis  124  via one or more slider  604 . The sliders  604  may be positioned to allow the drawer pan  602  to move axially along the drawer axis  124  between the opened position and the closed position. Further, in one aspect of this disclosure the sliders  604  may have a push-to-open feature. The push-to-open feature may allow the user to transition the drawer pan  602 , and in turn the reservoir  310  when placed thereon, from the closed position to the opened position by pressing the drawer  120  in an open direction  126 . Once the drawer  120  is moved in the open direction  126 , the sliders  604  may automatically transition the drawer  120  to a partially or fully opened position without further user contact. 
     The reservoir  310  may also have a tapered upper lip that is configured to minimize fluid splashing over the sidewalls of the reservoir  310 . The tapered upper lip may have a profile that directs any fluid traveling up the sidewall towards the center of the reservoir  310  instead of over the sidewall. The tapered upper lip may be coupled to, or formed from, the upper edge of the reservoir  310  and substantially minimize the amount of fluid that escapes the reservoir when sloshed against the sidewalls. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the plant growing apparatus  100  is illustrated with the door  118  removed to further illustrate the components of the interior  202 . More specifically, the interior  202  may be defined by an inner surface of the door  118  (when the door is closed), a portion of an inner surface of the first side panel  104 , a portion of an inner surface of the second side panel  106 , an inner surface of the top panel  108 , and an inner surface of a base plate  206 . In one aspect of this disclosure, the base plate  206  may form a bottom support for the plant housing assembly  204 . The base plate  206  may act as a barrier at least partially separating the interior  202  from the reservoir  310 . Accordingly, the base plate  206  may substantially restrict debris and the like from falling from the plant harvesting assembly  204  and becoming positioned within the fluid of the reservoir  310 . 
     In one aspect of this disclosure, the base plate  206  may have a fluid sensor  208  positioned thereon to determine whether any fluid is on the base plate  206 . The plant housing assembly  204  may be configured to direct fluid through an interior passage  1202  to the reservoir  310 . However, if the interior passage  1202  becomes clogged or otherwise obstructed, the fluid may flow out of the interior passage  1202  and become position on the base plate  206 . Accordingly, the fluid sensor  208  may communicate with the controller  726  to identify when fluid has become positioned on the base plate  206 . Further, in one non-exclusive example of this embodiment, the controller  726  may stop fluid flow through the interior passage  1202  of the plant housing assembly  204  when the fluid sensor  208  identifies fluid on the base plate  206  to prevent fluid spills or the like. 
     In one aspect of this disclosure, the base plate  206  may have one or more bends  212  or a shallow cone defined therein to allow the base plate  206  to be tapered towards a middle section. By tapering the base plate  206  via the bends  212 , any fluid that becomes positioned thereon may flow towards the middle section. Further, the middle section may have at least one orifice or the like that allows fluid to transition from the interior  202  to the reservoir  310  through the base plate  206 . With this orientation, the base plate  206  may direct fluid towards the middle section when fluid has unintentionally escaped the interior passage  1202  and become positioned thereon. 
     The base plate  206  may further have at least one fan assembly  210  positioned thereon. The fan assembly  210  may be selectively engaged by the controller  726  to provide airflow between the interior  202  and the surrounding environment  116 . More specifically, one or more fan assembly  210  may be providing airflow into the interior  202  while one or more fan assembly  210  may be exhausting airflow out of the interior  202 . 
     In one aspect of this disclosure, each fan assembly  210  may have an insect resistant screen or the like positioned between the fan assembly  210  and the interior. The insect resistant screen may substantially restrict any insects from entering the interior through the fan assembly  210  and compromising the plants located therein. In one non-exclusive example, the insect resistant screen may be electrified to kill any insects that encounter the insect resistant screen. The fan assembly  210  may agitate the plant to build turgor pressure for more crisp plants, pollinate plants that require fertilization, and remove heat from the interior to name a few uses for the fan assembly  210 . 
     In another aspect of this disclosure, fans of the fan assembly  210  may be positioned to blow air on the light source  304 . More specifically, the light source  304  may provide the required light to any plants in the interior  210 . The light source  304  may be an LED light assembly that has a heatsink or the like and requires cooling. In this configuration, fans from the fan assembly  210  can direct airflow over the LED light assembly of the light source  304  to thereby cool the LED lights. In one non-exclusive example of this disclosure, there may be a light source  304  positioned on either side of the door  118  opening to thereby direct light towards the  204  plant housing assembly  204  and away from the door  118 . In this configuration, the light source  304  may not substantially shine light out of the door opening and into the surrounding area. 
     As discussed herein, the fan assembly  210  may also have one or more fan that exhaust from the interior  210 . The air exhausted from the interior  210  may carry various odors associated with plant fertilization and growth that are undesirable. Accordingly, in one aspect of this disclosure the exhaust fans of the fan assembly  210  may have an odor neutralizing filter thereon. The odor neutralizing filter may be any filter known in the art to reduce odor and in one non-exclusive example is a carbon filter. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a bottom perspective view  700  is illustrated with many components removed to show components of the plant growing apparatus  100 . In one non-exclusive embodiment, the fluid of the plant growing apparatus  100  may be monitored. More specifically, both the volume and quality of the fluid in the reservoir  310  and dispersed into the interior passage  1202  may be monitored to ensure the fluid conditions are optimal for plant growth. 
     More specifically, the plant growing apparatus  100  may have a fluid path  702  that directs fluid from a fluid inlet  704  positioned in the reservoir  310  to a nozzle  1302  that is at least partially positioned within the interior passage  1202 . In one embodiment of this disclosure, the fluid system may include a water condenser  706 , a nebulizer  708 , a fluid level sensor  710 , an ultraviolet (UV) light filter  712 , anode probes  714 , a pump  716 , a flow meter  718 , and a deionizer  720  to name a few non-exclusive examples. The fluid system may be configured to deliver the proper volume and quality of fluid to roots of any plants positioned in the plant housing assembly  204 . 
     The pump  716  may be a high-pressure diaphragm pump that is positioned in line with the fluid path  702 . The pump  716  may be capable of providing a fluid flow rate and pressure that corresponds with the nozzle  1302  to deliver fluid to the interior passage  1202 . Further, the nozzle  1302  and pump  716  may be configured to deliver a mist of fluid to the interior passage  1202  at a velocity that is sufficient to degrade any biofilm forming therein without substantially harming any plant roots positioned therein. In one non-exclusive example, the nozzle  1302  may be capable of dispersing liquid in about 360 degrees to thereby ensure that biofilm is removed from all surfaces of the interior passage  1202 . 
     Further still, the nozzle  1302  may be removably coupled to the fluid path  702  via a threaded or the like engagement thereto. In this configuration, if the nozzle  1302  is clogged or otherwise blocked with residue the user may remove the nozzle  1302  from the fluid path  702  and clean the nozzle  1302 . Further still, the nozzle may be formed of a material that restricts substantial residue build-up such as stainless steel or the like. 
     While a high-pressure diaphragm pump is described herein, this disclosure contemplates utilizing any type of fluid pump. However, in one non-exclusive example the pump  716  is selected to limit the amount of heat added to the fluid by the pump  716 . Accordingly, any fluid pump capable of providing the proper fluid pressure and flow to the fluid system without adding a substantial amount of heat is considered herein. 
     The flow meter  718  or switch may also be fluidly coupled to the fluid path  702  and configured to communicate a flow rate of the fluid through the fluid path  702  to the controller  726 . The flow meter  718  may be any type of flow meter known in the art and the controller  726  may monitor the flow meter  718  to identify how efficiently the pump  716  is performing. More specifically, in one embodiment the controller  726  may monitor the flow meter  718  when the pump  716  is instructed to be providing fluid to the nozzle  1302 . If the controller  726  instructs the pump  716  to provide fluid to the nozzle  1302 , the controller  726  may then monitor the flow rate of the fluid through the fluid path  702  with the flow meter  718  to ensure that the fluid system is functioning properly. For example, if the controller  726  instructs the pump  716  to provide fluid to the nozzle  1302 , but then identifies a flow rate with the flow meter  718  that is less than a flow threshold, the controller  726  may indicate a warning to the user or stop the fluid system. The reduced flow rate could be indicative of a clogged or malfunctioning pump  716  among other things. 
     In one aspect of this disclosure, the fluid path  702  may travel through a channel  804  defined in a back panel assembly. More specifically, the back panel  110  may be formed from an interior panel and an exterior panel that has insulation there between. The fluid path  702 , along with electrical wiring for the electrical system, may travel along the channel  804  defined in the back panel  110 . The channel  804  may be formed by placing a placeholder along the channel  804  before insulation is added between the interior and exterior panel. Then, after insulation is added between the two panels, the placeholder is removed and the channel  804  is exposed. The fluid path  702  and electrical wiring may then be positioned along the back panel  110  between the interior and exterior panels. 
     The fluid level of the reservoir  310  may also be monitored by the fluid level sensor  710  to ensure the reservoir  310  contains the proper volume of fluid. In one non-exclusive example, the fluid level sensor  710  may be an ultrasonic sensor positioned above the reservoir to identify the level of fluid therein. However, any type of fluid level sensor  710  is also considered. The fluid level sensor  710  may communicate with the controller  726  to identify when the reservoir  310  requires more fluid. When the controller  726  identifies that the reservoir  310  is low, the controller  726  may engage a source to provide fluid thereto. 
     The source of fluid for adding fluid to the reservoir  310  may be any fluid source. In one non-exclusive example, the source of fluid may be a fluid line that is coupled to a local water system. In one non-exclusive example, a solenoid valve  732  may selectively provide fluid from the local water system to the reservoir  310  when low fluid levels are identified. Alternatively, one embodiment contemplated herein utilizes the water condenser  706  to condense water out of the surrounding atmosphere and direct it to the reservoir  310  when the controller  726  instructs it to do so. In this configuration, when the controller  726  identifies the reservoir  310  is low via the fluid level sensor  710 , the controller  726  may engage the water condenser  706  to condense water from the surrounding atmosphere to thereby fill the reservoir  310  to the proper level. 
     In one aspect of this disclosure, the fluid system may have one or more fluid filters therein. More specifically, the plant growing apparatus  100  may be specifically used for growing edible plants that are intended to be consumed. Accordingly, the cleanliness and sanitation of the fluid may be monitored by the fluid system. The nebulizer  708  may implement sound waves or the like that are specifically sized to break down bacteria within the fluid. The nebulizer  708  may be positioned at a location within the fluid system that causes the fluid therein to pass by the nebulizer  708  thereby exposing any bacteria to the sound waves produced by the nebulizer  708 . 
     The UV light  712  may be another fluid filter positioned within the fluid system. The UV light  712  may be positioned above the reservoir  310  to expose the fluid contents of the reservoir  310  to UV light. The UV light  712  may emit light into the fluid of the reservoir to thereby destroy undesired microorganisms or bacteria that are located therein. In one non-exclusive example, the UV light  712  may be of a spectrum sufficient to kill  E - coli  or the like. 
     Similarly, the anode probes  714  may be positioned within the fluid of the reservoir  310  or otherwise along the fluid path  702  to further purify the fluid therein. The anode probes  714  may include silver and copper anode probes that are positioned to sterilize the water when a current is supplied thereto. Further providing current to the silver and copper anode probes  714  may prevent bacterial outbreaks such as  Legionella  or the like in the fluid of the plant growing apparatus  100 . 
     While several fluid cleansing devices are described herein, this disclosure contemplates utilizing any type of fluid cleansing system that may provide a more sterile and sanitary fluid in the fluid system. As described above, the plant growing apparatus  100  may frequently be used to grow edible plants for consumption. Accordingly, the fluid and interior  202  may be specifically design to maintain a sanitary and food-safe environment as described herein. 
     A power supply  724  or the like may provide power to an electrical system of the plant growing apparatus  100 . More specifically, the power supply  724  may be configured to be electrically coupled to an electric power supply, a solar panel, or any other known electrical power supply to provide power to the electrical system. In one no-exclusive example, the power supply  724  may be electrically coupled to a battery  722  or other energy storage device to thereby allow the power to be provided to the electrical system even when the power supply  724  is not coupled to a power source. The battery  722  may be charged when the power supply  724  is coupled to a power source and the stored power of the battery  722  may be utilized when the power supply  724  is no longer coupled to a power source. 
     The electrical system may provide power to the water condenser  706 , nebulizer  708 , fluid level sensor  710 , UV light  712 , anode probes  714 , pump  716 , flow meter  718 , deionizer  720 , light source  304 , and a camera  214  to name a few non-exclusive components of the electrical system. Further the controller  726  may selectively power the components of the electrical system to create an interior  202  that is conducive to efficient and plentiful plant growth. 
     The controller  726  may also be in communication with a plant motor  728  that is coupled to the plant housing assembly  204 . The controller  726  may selectively power the plant motor  728  to rotate the plant housing assembly  204  about a plant axis  1204  to transition the plants being exposed to the light source  304 . Further still, in one aspect of this disclosure a plant sensor  730  may be positioned to identify the rotation of the plant housing assembly  204 . More specifically, the plant sensor  730  may be a reed switch that is positioned adjacent a cammed rotation disk. The cammed rotation disk may have recessed portions that interact with the plant sensor  730  to communicate to the controller  726  that the plant housing assembly  204  has rotated a predefined amount. In one non-exclusive embodiment, the controller  726  may utilize the camera  214  to take and store or otherwise transmit a photo of the plant hanging assembly  204  responsive to the rotational position of the plant hanging assembly  204  as identified by the plant sensor  730 . 
     In yet another embodiment, a magnet in the plant hanging assembly  204  may pass by a sensor coupled to the base plate  206  to identify the rotational orientation of the assembly  204 . In another embodiment, the plant sensor  730  may be a mechanical switch that pushes up when it comes into contact with a recessed cavity on a corresponding surface to identify rotation. Yet another embodiment may utilize a photo sensor that sees a specific color or reflective material on the assembly  204 . In one aspect of this embodiment, the camera  214  may identify specific colors or features on the assembly  204  to determine rotation. In yet another embodiment, the sensor  730  may be a laser that is able to measure the distance change in a recessed cavity on a corresponding surface to identify rotation. Similarly, the sensor  730  may be a sonar sensor that is able to measure the distance in a recessed cavity on a corresponding surface to identify rotation. The sensor  730  may also identify a physical protrusion that switches a mechanical switch as it rotates by. Further still, the sensor  730  may be a rotary encoder. In yet another embodiment, the rotation of the assembly may be determined by counting the steps from a stepper motor and using a software algorithm to determine rotation based on a known gear ratio. 
     In one aspect of this disclosure, a weighted tip  1102  is illustrated on the fluid inlet  704 . The weighted tip  1102  may be formed of a material that is heavy enough to cause the weighted tip  1102  to become positioned along a bottom portion of the reservoir  310  when positioned thereunder. In this configuration, the weighted tip  1102  may ensure that the fluid inlet  704  remains submerged in any fluid within the reservoir  310  to thereby substantially restrict air from being introduced into the fluid path  702 . Further, the fluid inlet  704  and weighted tip  1102  may be positioned to easily transition into, and out of, the reservoir  310  as the drawer  120  is opened and closed. Alternatively, a bulkhead fitting could be coupled to a check valve to constantly pull fluids from the bottom of the reservoir  310 . The check valve could prevent the reservoir  310  from leaking from the bulkhead fitting when the reservoir  310  is removed from the drawer  120   
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a half section view of a portion of the plant housing assembly  204  is illustrated. The plant housing assembly  204  may include a plurality of growth rings  1206  coupled to one another to define the interior passage  1202 . Further, the growth rings  1206  may be rotationally coupled to the plant growing apparatus  100  about the plant axis  1204 . In this configuration, a grommet  1208  or the like may be positioned around a top through-hole of a top cover  1210 . The grommet  1208  may substantially restrict fluid or the like from exiting the top through-hole while allowing the top cover  1210  to rotate about the plant axis  1204 . 
     A bottom portion  1212  may be coupled to the bottommost growth ring  1206  and be configured to be manipulated by the plant motor  728  to rotate the plant housing assembly  204 . More specifically, the bottom portion may have a drain member  1802  ( FIG. 9 ) extending along the plant axis  204  to provide a location for fluid to drain from the interior passage  1202  to the reservoir  310 . In one aspect of this disclosure, a cover  1812  may be positioned over the drain member  1802  to manipulate the fluid flow introduced to the reservoir  310 . The cover  1812  may act like a funnel to reduce the outlet size and thereby alter the fluid flow pattern of fluid through the bottom portion  1212 . The cover  1812  may be configured to reduce splashing caused by fluid entering the reservoir from the bottom portion  1212 . 
     The bottom portion  1212  may also have a strainer  902  or the like positioned over the drain member  1802 . The strainer  902  may be sized to substantially cover the drain member and allow fluid to pass from the interior passage  1202  there through and into the drain member  1802 . However, the strainer  902  may be sized to substantially restrict plant material from passing there through. In this configuration, the strainer  902  may prevent plant material buildup, such as roots, from blocking the drain member  1802  while allowing fluid to continually flow there through. In one non-limiting example, the strainer  902  may have a dome-like shape that extends away from the drain member  1802 . Further, the strainer  902  may have a plurality of opening sized to allow fluid but not substantial plant matter there through. 
     In one aspect of this disclosure, a friction reducing mechanism  1214  may be coupled to the bottom portion  1212  between the bottom portion  1212  and the base plate  206 . The friction reducing mechanism  1214  may be any mechanism that reduces friction to allow the plant housing assembly  204  to rotate easily about the plant axis  1204 . More specifically, the friction reducing mechanism  1214  may be a nylon bushing or the like in one non-exclusive example. Further, in another non-exclusive example the friction reducing mechanism  1214  may be a slew bearing or the like. In yet another embodiment, the bottom portion  1212  may be floating in a fluid and capable of rotating therein. In yet another embodiment, the friction reducing mechanism  1214  may be a magnetic bearing. Accordingly, any known type of friction reducing mechanism is contemplated herein to be utilized between the bottom portion  1212  and the base plate  206 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , a bottom portion  1212  is illustrated in a perspective view of a bottom side. The bottom side may have the drain member  1802  that is sized to direct fluid to the reservoir  310  and provide for rotating the plant housing assembly  204  about the plant axis  1204 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 12 , the bottom portion  1212  may have gear  1804  embedded therein about the plant axis  1204 . The gear  1804  may be sized to engage a plant motor gear  1104  coupled to the plant motor  728  to thereby allow the plant motor  728  to rotate the plant housing assembly  204  by interacting with the gear  1804 . 
     In another aspect of the bottom portion  1212  illustrated in  FIG. 12  a ring  1806  may be defined about the plant axis  1204 . The ring  1806  may be a substantially circular extension from a bottom surface  1808  of the bottom portion  1212 . Further, the ring  1806  may be spaced radially away from the embedded gear  1804  a ring distance  1810  that is slightly greater than the diameter of the plant motor gear. In this configuration, the plant motor gear may become positioned in an annular channel of the bottom portion  1212  defined between the gear  1804  and the ring  1806 . The ring  1806  may substantially prevent debris or the like from being positioned between the gear  1804  and the plant motor gear as the plant motor  728  rotates the plant housing assembly  204 . 
     In another non-exclusive example, the bottom portion  1212  may have a spiraled extrusion extending from a bottom surface. The spiraled extrusion may have a contact point defined thereon and configured to interact with a solenoid. The solenoid may replace the plant motor  728  and rotate the bottom portion  1212  by pressing the contact point of the spiraled extrusion. In other words, the solenoid may extend and contract on a cyclic pattern to contact the spiraled extrusion and rotate the plant housing assembly  204  with each cycle. 
     Further still, in yet another embodiment the plant housing assembly  204  may be mechanically coupled to a wind turbine. In this configuration, the wind turbine may rotate when wind acts thereon. Further, the rotation of the wind turbine may be translated to rotate the plant housing assembly  204  via one or more linkage and gear assembly. 
     The bottom-most growth ring  2102  may be coupled to the bottom portion  1212  by having an overlap section (similar to overlap section  2104 ) that is radially inside of an outer wall of the bottom portion  1212 . Further, each growth ring  1206  may have a similarly sized overlap section  2104  to thereby allow any growth ring  1206  to be coupled to the bottom portion  1212 . Further still, the bottom portion  1212  may have notches defined therein to correspond with tabs of the growth rings  1206  and thereby rotationally couple the adjacent growth ring  1206  to the bottom portion  1212  when properly positioned therein. 
     Illustrated in  FIG. 13  is a growth ring  2106  spaced axially away from an adjacent growth ring  2106  along the plant axis  1204 . Each growth ring  1206  may have at least one a tab  2108  defined along a bottom portion that is sized to correspond with a notch  2110  on the top portion of the adjacent growth ring  2106 . The tab  2108  may at least partially extend into the notch  2110  of the adjacent growth ring when the overlap section is positioned within the adjacent growth ring  2106 . The overlap section  2104  may contact alignment surfaces  2112  of the adjacent growth ring  2106  when positioned therein to ensure that adjacent growth rings  2106  remain coaxial with the plant axis  1204 . 
     Further, when adjacent growth rings  2106  are properly coupled to one another, the tabs  2108  may be at least partially positioned within the corresponding notches  2110  to substantially rotationally couple the adjacent growth rings  2106  to one another. In other words, when adjacent growth rings  2106  are properly coupled to one another, the contact between the overlap section  2104  and the alignment surface  2112  may maintain the coaxial alignment of the growth rings  2106  while the contact between the tabs  2108  and the notches  2110  may rotationally couple the growth rings to one another. 
     Similarly, the overlap section  2104  may ensure that any fluid dispersed by the nozzle  1302  is maintained within the interior passage  1202  until the fluid reaches the drain member  1802  of the bottom portion  1212 . In one aspect of this disclosure, the overlap section may have a bottom lip  1506  that extends radially inward therefrom. The bottom lip  1506  may further prevent fluid from escaping the interior passage  1202  by directing the fluid towards the plant axis  1204 . In other words, the growth rings  1206  nest into one another so that fluid dispersed in the interior passage  1202  will naturally flow to the bottom portion and then into the reservoir  310 . 
     In another aspect of this disclosure, a gasket  1304  or the like may be positioned around the overlap section  2104  to further ensure adjacent growth rings  2106  are properly coupled to one another. The gaskets  1304  may be substantially cylindrical and positioned between the overlap section  2104  and the alignment surface  2112 . The gaskets  1304  may be formed of a silicon or the like material. Further, the gaskets  1304  may be antimicrobial to ensure the gaskets  1304  maintain a sterile environment along the interior passage. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 21-25 , the form of the growth rings  1206  is explained in more detail. More specifically, the upper-most portion of each growth ring  1206  may have a first inner diameter  2502  defined by the alignment surfaces  2112 . The first inner diameter  2502  may be about the same as a second outer diameter  2504  of the overlap section  2104 . In this orientation, adjacent growth rings  1206  may be coupled to one another as described herein. Further still, the alignment surfaces  2112  may be configured to elastically deform radially away from the plant axis  1204  responsive to contact with the overlap section  2104 . Accordingly, the overlap section  2104  can be forced into the alignment surfaces  2112  to thereby cause the alignment surfaces  2112  to expand radially away from the plant axis  1204  and thereby frictionally coupled the growth rings  1206  to one another. 
     In the embodiment that utilizes gaskets between the alignment surfaces  2112  and the overlap section  2104  the first inner diameter  2502  and the second outer diameter  2504  may be correspondingly sized. More specifically, if the gasket has a one-eighth inch thickness, the two diameters  2502 ,  2504  may be sized to allow for about a one-eight inch gasket to fit there between. 
     Further, each growth ring  1206  may have a plurality of plant openings  2202  defined therein. Each plant opening  2202  may be configured to accommodate a plant pod therein to position at least a portion of the plant pod at least partially within the interior passage  1202 . The plant openings  2202  may be shaped from portions of a growth ring wall  2204  that are radially expanded from the plant axis  1204 . More specifically, each plant opening may be a radial expansion that has an outer profile that defines an axis  2208  that is angled a plant opening angle  2206  relative to the plant axis  1204 . Accordingly, as the plant opening  2202  approaches that uppermost portion of the growth ring  1206 , the plant opening  2202  may extend farther radially away from the plant axis  1204 . In this orientation, the plant pods can be easily placed and maintained in the plant openings  2202 . 
     In other words, the plant openings  2202  may be formed from a circular wave-like pattern defined in by the growth ring wall  2204  along the perimeter. In this configuration, the growth rings  1206  may be formed from injection molding or be stamped in a die. However, any other known manufacturing process is also considered herein, and this disclosure considers any known method of manufacturing the growth rings  1206 . 
     The number of plant openings  2202  defined by the growth ring  1206  may vary depending on the type of plant being positioned therein. Accordingly, a growth ring for large plants may have fewer plant openings than a growth ring for smaller plants. Similarly, any number of growth rings  1206  may be coupled to one another to form the plant housing assembly  204  to accommodate the height of the plant growing apparatus  100 . For example, a taller plant growing apparatus  100  may require a greater number of growth rings  1206  than a comparatively shorter growing apparatus  100 . The number of growth rings  1206  can be any number sufficient to allow the interior passage  1202  to extend from the top cover  1201  to the bottom portion  1212 . Further, cylindrical spacers may also be utilized therein to provide the proper axial distance between the top cover  1201  and the bottom portion  1212  when plant openings are not needed the entire height of the plant housing assembly. In one aspect of this disclosure, a stopper may be positioned in any of the plant openings  2202  that are not filled with a pod. 
     In one non-exclusive example of an application of the present disclosure, a user may purchase a plant growing apparatus  100  and install it in a base cabinet space similar to a mini-refrigerator or the like. The power supply  724  may be electrically coupled to a local power grid and a water source may be selectively coupled to the reservoir  310  via the controller. The user may then stack the appropriate number and type of growth rings between the top cover  1201  and the bottom portion  1212 . Next, the user may populate the plant openings of the growth rings with the types of plant pods the user intends to grow. The controller  726  may automatically identify the plant pods positioned therein by communicating with the plant pods via wireless communication. Next, the controller  726  may utilize the fluid and electrical systems described herein to generate an interior  202  that is ideal for growing the plants identified in the plant pods. 
     While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that illustrative embodiment(s) have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected. It will be noted that alternative embodiments of the present disclosure may not include all of the features described yet still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features. Those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise their own implementations that incorporate one or more of the features of the present disclosure and fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     In another embodiment of this disclosure, the drain member  1802  may be sized to fit into a standard conduit fitting. As one non-exclusive example, the drain member  1802  may fit into a T-type polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) connector. In this configuration, a PVC drainage conduit can be formed with one or more T-type fittings that allow the drain members  1802  to be coupled thereto. Accordingly, several plant housing assemblies  204  may be fluidly coupled to a single drainage conduit. Further still, each plant housing assembly  204  may have a nozzle  1302  that provides fluid to each plant housing assembly  204 . The plant housing assemblies  204  may be fixedly coupled to the drainage conduit and further a support line may provide additional support to the plant housing assemblies  204  and fluid lines for the nozzles  1302 . In this embodiment, any number of plant housing assemblies  204  may be fluidly coupled to the drainage conduit and fluid lines. 
     While this disclosure has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present disclosure can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.