Patent Abstract:
Liquid fractionation systems utilizing a novel low pressure liquid delivery system generated by centrifugal force utilizing a rotating cylinder device. The rotating cylinder device distributes liquid solution to the roots of plants by use of centrifugal force, thereby eliminating the need for a high-pressure pump and nozzles. The geometrical shape of the enclosed root growth chamber is such that it allows for fractionated droplets to ricochet in multiple random directions thus completely surrounding the plant roots in 360° in any plane. The invention also provides aeroponics apparati utilizing the low-pressure liquid delivery system, methods for fractionating liquid, methods for delivering the fractionated liquid to plants, and methods for growing plants and germinating seeds.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Ser. No. 10/253,505, filed Sep. 24, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,807,770, issued Oct. 26, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety to the extent that it is not inconsistent with the disclosure herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to the field of devices for fractionating liquid, cultivation of plants in controlled environments, and more specifically to the field of aeroponic cultivation of plants.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The increase of human population in geographic areas of environmentally adverse conditions has given rise to the need for an efficient, economical and easy to use apparatus to cultivate nutritious edible plants indoors for human consumption. The present invention also provides year-round cultivation in areas where seasonal changes prevent or limit outside growing.  
         [0004]     The field of indoor cultivation of plants using soil-less units such as hydroponic or aeroponic apparati has arisen to address this need. As an example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,173 discloses a hydroponic unit, which delivers a controlled amount of nutrient solution to the roots of the plants in order to most efficiently cultivate their growth. Although the design and functioning of the &#39;173 apparatus is significantly different than that of the present invention, some of the basic principles of soil-less cultivation set forth therein pertain to the present invention. It is important that the delivery of the liquid nutrients to plant roots not exceed a maximum level, nor should the plant roots be deprived of nutrient and allowed to dry for too long a period of time. If over-watering occurs, the plant may die or have its growth inhibited from root rot. Allowing the roots of the plant to be dry for too long results in dehydration and starving the plant. Thus, an accurate method of delivering controlled amounts of liquid nutrient to the roots of a plant is desirable. The present invention provides an improvement over the &#39;173 device in that it affords a novel, efficient and economical aeroponic low pressure delivery apparatus.  
         [0005]     Hydroponic units are generally taken to refer to units in which the roots are submerged in a reservoir of nutrient solution. U.S. Pat. No. 4,332,105 to Nir discloses the development of an aeroponic unit, which introduces the concept of plant roots suspended in a chamber wherein they are misted at periodic intervals with a mixture of air and nutrient solution. This was seen to be a more efficient, accurate and economical method of delivering the nutrient solution. Nir&#39;s device relies on the use of nozzles and a pumping system for delivery of liquid nutrients which incorporates a pneumatic pump powerful enough to generate a flow rate high enough to effectively atomize the liquid nutrients and dispense the liquid nutrients through a nozzle to the roots of the plants.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,514,930, describes a method and apparatus for aeroponic growth, which relies on the use of nozzles to distribute the liquid nutrient solution to the roots of the plants utilizing water pressure from any source including a standard household tap as a high pressure source. The precise control of the liquid suction venturi provides an intermittent hydro-atomized spray to the plants.  
         [0007]     More recently, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,136,804 and 5,300,260, for example, describe aeroponic units with complex fog generator units.  
         [0008]     U.S. Pat. Nos. Des.  397 , 280 , Des.  402 , 230 , Des. 402 , 296  and Des.  402 , 668  refer to designs for the outer shell of the unit.  
         [0009]     Also, the above-described devices take up large amounts of space, are physically cumbersome and not aesthetically pleasing for the home consumer. A significant degree of expertise or academic interest is required in order to efficiently cultivate plants in these units. This was largely due to the complexity of the pressurized pump system utilized in these units for high pressure oxygenated spray to the enclosed chamber which were expensive to manufacture, bulky, loud, and complicated to operate and repair. These prior art units could require repair when the nozzles of the spraying units became clogged with scaling due to dissimilar metals in the nozzle assembly or organic matter which results from biological processes involved in plant growth. This potential clogging could result in deficient delivery of the liquid nutrient solution and prevent optimum plant growth. The present invention provides a liquid nutrient delivery system which does not rely on nozzles and therefore eliminates this potential problem.  
         [0010]     Prior art aeroponic growth units have contained spraying or misting parts which have generally required pressurized pumps or expensive mist generators to supply the nutrient solution in the form of a mist or fine droplets. The present invention described herein has provided an economical alternative to these designs in that it comprises a low pressure liquid nutrient delivery system based on centrifugal force, which utilizes an inexpensive low pressure pump and low voltage motor in order to deliver liquid nutrient solution to the roots of the plants.  
         [0011]     The device of the present invention provides an aeroponic cultivation unit which is aesthetically pleasing to the consumer, and which is economical to manufacture and operate due to the improved novel nutrient delivery system. The nutrient delivery system of the present invention does not require pressurized air or water through a high pressure nozzle to evenly distribute the liquid nutrients to the roots of the plants.  
         [0012]     Aeroponic cultivation holds wide appeal in many circles due to its facilitating the growth of fresh, organic herbs, vegetables, fruit and ornamental flowers easily in the home. The apparatus of the present invention provides an aeroponic growing apparatus having a simple, inexpensive, quiet and resilient nutrient delivery system in a compact design allowing for a cost-effective plant growing environment. The instant invention provides important features over prior art devices including providing a system which makes the process of aeroponic cultivation available to any consumer, in a package that is attractive, utilitarian, quiet and convenient to use and can be installed in any home as a domestic appliance. The invention described herein provides such improvements in that it comprises a lightweight, aesthetically pleasing, quiet and convenient to use product. The novel liquid nutrient delivery system is most specifically the component which lowers the cost to facilitate that this appliance may be delivered to consumers at a previously unattainable, affordable price. A further need within the industry is the ability to provide an optimum amount of growing space in these units, which is divided in such a way that the cultivation of different types of plants is facilitated in a more sophisticated and amenable design layout.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]     This invention provides a liquid fractionation system comprising: a stationary perforated tube having an axis, a length, and a lower half; a mesh tube in fluid communication with said stationary tube, wherein said mesh tube is coaxial with said stationary perforated tube, wherein at least a portion of said mesh tube surrounds said stationary tube, and wherein said mesh tube has a larger diameter than said stationary perforated tube; a pump in fluid communication with said stationary tube; and a motor capable of rotating said mesh tube thereby generating a centrifugal force; wherein a liquid delivered into said stationary tube by said pump drips through perforations in said stationary tube, contacts said rotating mesh tube, and is ejected outward of said mesh tube in fractionated droplets by said centrifugal force.  
         [0014]     This invention provides an aeroponics apparatus for growing a plant comprising: an outer shell forming an enclosed chamber; a plant support member for covering said enclosed chamber, said plant support member having at least one plant bearing opening to receive a plant or a seed, wherein the roots of said plant, or of the plant which will grow from said seed, are allowed to grow in said enclosed chamber; a stationary perforated tube having an axis, a length, and a lower half; a mesh tube in fluid communication with said stationary tube, wherein said mesh tube is coaxial with said stationary perforated tube, and wherein said mesh tube has a larger diameter than said stationary perforated tube; a pump in fluid communication with said stationary tube; and a motor capable of rotating said mesh tube thereby generating a centrifugal force; wherein a liquid in said enclosed chamber is delivered into said stationary tube by said pump, drips through perforations in said stationary tube, contacts said rotating mesh tube, is ejected outward of said mesh tube in fractionated droplets by said centrifugal force, and contacts said roots. In an embodiment, the aeroponics apparatus liquid is recirculated. In an embodiment, the aeroponics apparatus also comprises a timer controller board for periodically causing said motor to rotate said mesh tube.  
         [0015]     This invention provides a method for fractionating a liquid into droplets, said method comprising: providing said liquid; providing a stationary perforated tube having an axis, a length, and a lower half; providing a mesh tube in fluid communication with said stationary tube, wherein said mesh tube is coaxial with said stationary perforated tube, and wherein said mesh tube has a larger diameter than said stationary perforated tube; providing a pump in fluid communication with said stationary tube and in contact with said liquid; providing a motor capable of rotating said mesh tube thereby generating a centrifugal force; pumping said liquid into said stationary tube; rotating said mesh tube thereby creating a centrifugal force; allowing said liquid to drip through perforations in said stationary tube; allowing said dripped liquid to contact said rotating mesh tube; and ejecting said dripped liquid in fractionated droplets outward of said mesh tube.  
         [0016]     This invention provides a method for delivering liquid to a plant having at least one root, said method comprising: providing said plant having at least one root; performing the method of fractionating liquid into droplets; and allowing said fractionated droplets to contact said root of said plant.  
         [0017]     This invention provides a method for growing a plant with at least one root or germinating a seed into a plant with at least one root, said method comprising: providing an outer shell forming an enclosed chamber; providing a plant support member for covering said enclosed chamber, said plant support member having at least one plant bearing opening to receive a plant or a seed, wherein the roots of said plant, or of the plant which will grow from said seed, are allowed to grow in said enclosed chamber; providing said plant or said seed; performing the method of fractionating liquid into droplets within said enclosed chamber; and allowing said fractionated droplets to contact said root of said plant or said seed; whereby said plant grows or said seed germinates into a plant.  
         [0018]     The present invention provides an improvement over the prior art in that the nutrient delivery system consists of a rotating cylinder device which requires a smaller pump and motor than prior art devices and no nozzles to become clogged with organic matter or scaling as discussed above. This feature of the present invention is a low pressure automated liquid nutrient solution delivery system which is used as part of an aeroponic growth unit. The liquid nutrient solution discussed herein is intended to comprise any liquid which enables plant growth. This includes oxygenated or aerated water mixtures which may or may not contain added nutrients  
         [0019]     The present invention seeks to overcome problems and difficulties associated with former aeroponics systems by incorporating a new design which allows for the cultivation of a number of different types of plants, is presentable, attractive, quiet and convenient to use as a domestic kitchen appliance.  
         [0020]     Aeroponic growing of plants provides an effective method of cultivating plants in adverse environmental conditions such as drought or diminished air quality. The present invention provides an improved apparatus for aeroponic growing of plants which distributes nutrient solution to the plant roots efficiently, quietly and economically. It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for aeroponic growing of plants which is designed for counter-top use by the consumer. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for aeroponic growing of plants for counter-top use by the consumer, which apparatus comprises a means for varying the height of the plant support member. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for aeroponic growing of plants which has multiple growing chambers for discrete growing of different kinds of plants. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for the aeroponic growing of plants which is economical and easy to use. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for the aeroponic growing of plants which is easily disassembled for cleaning, and in fact, can be cleaned in a household dishwasher. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a novel, effective and efficient liquid nutrient delivery system.  
         [0021]     The invention will be more fully understood and appreciated from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]      FIG. 1  is a side cut-away view of the apparatus of the present invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the device of the present invention showing the tripartite growing chambers and other features.  
         [0024]      FIG. 3  is an enlargement of  FIG. 1  showing more detail near the motor assembly.  
         [0025]      FIG. 4  is a perspective cut-away view of the apparatus of the present invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 5  is an end view of the vertical partition which creates the water tight compartment of the apparatus of the present invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the outside of the apparatus of the present invention showing a tripartite plant support member configuration. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0028]     This invention provides a liquid fractionation system comprising: a stationary perforated tube having an axis, a length, and a lower half; a mesh tube in fluid communication with said stationary tube, wherein said mesh tube is coaxial with said stationary perforated tube, wherein at least a portion of said mesh tube surrounds said stationary tube, and wherein said mesh tube has a larger diameter than said stationary perforated tube; a pump in fluid communication with said stationary tube; and a motor capable of rotating said mesh tube thereby generating a centrifugal force; wherein a liquid delivered into said stationary tube by said pump drips through perforations in said stationary tube, contacts said rotating mesh tube, and is ejected outward of said mesh tube in fractionated droplets by said centrifugal force.  
         [0029]     In an embodiment, the liquid fractionation system axis has a non-zero horizontal component. In an embodiment, the liquid fractionation system vertical component of said axis is about zero. In an embodiment, the liquid fractionation system stationary tube only has perforations in said lower half of said stationary perforated tube. In an embodiment, the liquid fractionation system mesh comprises apertures which comprise between about 20% and about 60% of the surface area of said mesh. In an embodiment, the liquid fractionation system mesh comprises radially aligned apertures. In an embodiment, the liquid fractionation system stationary tube and said mesh tube are cylinders, substantially circular in cross-section, and concentric. In an embodiment, the liquid fractionation system mesh tube rotates at periodic intervals. In an embodiment, the liquid fractionation system pump delivers liquid at a pressure of about equal to or less than about 20 psi. In an embodiment, the liquid fractionation system stationary tube comprises perforations along its entire length. In an embodiment, the liquid fractionation system fractionated droplets have diameters between about 50 and about 100 microns. In an embodiment, the liquid fractionation system further comprises a geometric chamber for enclosing said stationary tube, mesh tube, pump, and motor, wherein said fractionated droplets ricochet in random multiple directions inside of said geometric chamber. In an embodiment, the liquid fractionation system liquid is recirculated. In an embodiment, the liquid fractionation system is in a fixed position while delivering liquid. In an embodiment, the liquid fractionation system liquid comprises water and nutrients for growing a plant. In an embodiment, the liquid fractionation system mesh tube is at least about as long as said stationary tube.  
         [0030]     This invention provides an aeroponics apparatus for growing a plant comprising: an outer shell forming an enclosed chamber; a plant support member for covering said enclosed chamber, said plant support member having at least one plant bearing opening to receive a plant or a seed, wherein the roots of said plant, or of the plant which will grow from said seed, are allowed to grow in said enclosed chamber; a stationary perforated tube having an axis, a length, and a lower half; a mesh tube in fluid communication with said stationary tube, wherein said mesh tube is coaxial with said stationary perforated tube, and wherein said mesh tube has a larger diameter than said stationary perforated tube; a pump in fluid communication with said stationary tube; and a motor capable of rotating said mesh tube thereby generating a centrifugal force; wherein a liquid in said enclosed chamber is delivered into said stationary tube by said pump, drips through perforations in said stationary tube, contacts said rotating mesh tube, is ejected outward of said mesh tube in fractionated droplets by said centrifugal force, and contacts said roots. In an embodiment, the aeroponics apparatus liquid is recirculated. In an embodiment, the aeroponics apparatus also comprises a timer controller board for periodically causing said motor to rotate said mesh tube. In an embodiment, the aeroponics apparatus also comprises a water-tight chamber for housing said motor.  
         [0031]     This invention provides a method for fractionating a liquid into droplets, said method comprising: providing said liquid; providing a stationary perforated tube having an axis, a length, and a lower half; providing a mesh tube in fluid communication with said stationary tube, wherein said mesh tube is coaxial with said stationary perforated tube, and wherein said mesh tube has a larger diameter than said stationary perforated tube; providing a pump in fluid communication with said stationary tube and in contact with said liquid; providing a motor capable of rotating said mesh tube thereby generating a centrifugal force; pumping said liquid into said stationary tube; rotating said mesh tube thereby creating a centrifugal force; allowing said liquid to drip through perforations in said stationary tube; allowing said dripped liquid to contact said rotating mesh tube; and ejecting said dripped liquid in fractionated droplets outward of said mesh tube. In an embodiment, the method is performed within an enclosed chamber.  
         [0032]     This invention provides a method for delivering liquid to a plant having at least one root, said method comprising: providing said plant having at least one root; performing the method of fractionating liquid into droplets; and allowing said fractionated droplets to contact said root of said plant.  
         [0033]     This invention provides a method for growing a plant with at least one root or germinating a seed into a plant with at least one root, said method comprising: providing an outer shell forming an enclosed chamber; providing a plant support member for covering said enclosed chamber, said plant support member having at least one plant bearing opening to receive a plant or a seed, wherein the roots of said plant, or of the plant which will grow from said seed, are allowed to grow in said enclosed chamber; providing said plant or said seed; performing the method of fractionating liquid into droplets within said enclosed chamber; and allowing said fractionated droplets to contact said root of said plant or said seed; whereby said plant grows or said seed germinates into a plant.  
         [0034]     This invention provides a method for delivering liquid to a plant and a method for growing a plant or germinating a seed into a plant, within an aeroponics apparatus. In an embodiment, the liquid is water and plant nutrients.  
         [0035]     The present invention provides a completely self-contained and independent domestic aeroponic apparatus. Please refer to the accompanying drawings.  
         [0036]     The outer shell circumscribes the apparatus in an essentially ovoid or slightly hour-glass configuration. The apparatus forms an enclosed chamber which serves as a root growth chamber and is sized to easily sit on a countertop or other in-home location. The geometric configuration of the enclosed root growth chamber permits fractionated droplets to access all surfaces of the plant roots. The geometric shape of the enclosed root growth chamber is such that it allows fractionated droplets of liquid nutrient to ricochet in random multiple directions thereby completely surrounding the roots in 360° in any plane. The apparatus is approximately 22 inches long, 10 inches wide and 7 inches high. In an alternative embodiment, the variable height plant support member is approximately 3 to 4 inches, so when the variable height plant support member is in place, the unit will be approximately 11 inches high. These dimensions are not critical and are to be interpreted as approximations only. The apparatus is covered with an escutcheon, which holds plant support member or members. The outer shell can be made of any moldable, opaque plastic. It is important that the plastic be opaque, to contribute to the aesthetic qualities of the apparatus, as well as to prevent the growth of algae. It is also important that the plastic be heat-resistant since it is intended that the outer shell can be placed into an ordinary household dishwasher for cleaning.  
         [0037]     An alternative embodiment includes a variable height plant support member which can be inserted between the outer shell and the escutcheon to accommodate the increasing size of the growing plants. It is expected that this feature will be more fully described and claimed in a later filed patent application.  
         [0038]     The outer shell  1  forms an enclosed chamber with convexly curved sides and a flattened bottom as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5 . The flattened bottom allows for stable situation on a flat surface. The convexly curved sides allow for easy collection of the liquid nutrient solution for recirculation. The enclosed chamber described by outer shell  1  contains a lower portion which comprises the liquid nutrient solution reservoir  3  and a vertical partition  5  at one end to form water tight compartment  4 , which houses motor  9 . Vertical partition  5   a  supports sealed end  26  of stationary perforated tube  7  at the end of the enclosed chamber opposite motor  9 .  
         [0039]     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , the outer shell is covered with escutcheon  23  which holds timer controller board  16  and provides a manual control  24  for the user to adjust the length of time between cycles of liquid nutrient solution delivery.  FIG. 3  shows escutcheon  23  is also equipped with liquid nutrient solution feed tube support  29 , which support  29  serves to support the juncture of the liquid nutrient solution feed tube  14  to stationary perforated tube  7  and to support the end of stationary perforated tube  7 . Escutcheon  23  also serves to support plant support members  12 , shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6 . Plant support members  12  can be easily lifted and opened to permit inspection of the propagating plants. Plant support members  12  contain a plurality of plant bearing openings  11  interspersed over its entirety. These are shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6 . A plurality of plant support members  12  are provided to provide for efficient growing and easy inspection of a variety of plants. As an example, a tripartite configuration of escutcheon  23  is shown in  FIG. 6 . An alternative embodiment provides for a single plant support member for growing of a single species crop.  
         [0040]      FIG. 5  shows vertical partition  5  comprising an aperture  17  which permits the passage of liquid nutrient solution feed tube  14  from pump  8  to stationary perforated tube  7 . The relationship of pump  8  to liquid nutrient solution feed tube  14  is best seen in  FIG. 3 . Vertical partition  5  can be molded to form a recessed area to accommodate the motor  9 , as shown in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0041]     The plant bearing openings  11  are formed as vertical, tubular plant supporting cylinders having a smooth surface defining a curved or arcuate relationship with the plant support member  12 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . This curved surface prevents destruction of delicate plant roots when the plants are transplanted or removed from the unit. The rim of the opening bears the weight of the leafy portion of the plant during propagation, allowing the roots to hang free to receive liquid nutrient solution.  
         [0042]     The low pressure liquid nutrient solution delivery system is a novel feature of the present invention. The low pressure liquid nutrient solution delivery system comprises a rotating cylinder device which is situated in the upper portion of the root growth chamber of such an apparatus and supplies nutrient solution to the roots of the plants at periodic intervals. See  FIG. 4 . The rotating cylinder device consists of stationary perforated tube  7  surrounded by rotating cylindrical mesh tube  6 . Perforations  15  in stationary perforated tube  7  can be seen clearly in  FIG. 3 . Perforations  15  are sized so as to optimize the flow of liquid nutrient solution issuing therefrom for capture by the rotating cylindrical mesh tube  6 . Perforations  15  are not shown in  FIG. 4  to allow clear illustration of stationary perforated tube  7  and rotating cylindrical mesh tube  6 . In operation, stationary perforated tube  7  receives liquid nutrient solution at one end from feed tube  14 , which is fed by pump  8 .  FIG. 2  shows that stationary perforated tube  7  is sealed at end  26 . End  26  is the end of stationary perforated tube  7  which is opposite the end which receives feed tube  14 . Pump  8  is equipped with an intake tube  13 , which is fitted with filter  25  at its orifice. See  FIG. 3 . A pump suitable for use in the present invention would be a gravity fed submersible pump with an output of approximately 20 psi or lower. Other kinds of pumps can be used, as well, such as siphon pumps or impeller pumps. A gravity fed submersible pump was chosen for this embodiment because it was economical to manufacture, and quiet to operate.  
         [0043]     An alternative embodiment comprises the use of an Archimedes&#39; screw or other mechanical water uptake system such as a wick arrangement to supply the liquid nutrient solution to the rotating cylinder device. It is expected that this alternative embodiment will be described and claimed in a later filed patent application.  
         [0044]     The liquid nutrient solution drips out of perforations  15  in stationary perforated tube  7  by gravity onto a rotating cylindrical mesh tube  6  which is concentric with stationary perforated tube  7 . Stationary perforated tube  7  is coaxial with and inside of rotating cylindrical mesh tube  6 . See  FIG. 4 . Cylindrical mesh tube  6  is made of fine mesh material which has appropriately sized apertures and is made of material which is stiff enough to maintain its cylindrical form. Many materials are suitable for this purpose as long as they are not reactive with the liquid nutrient solution or harmful to the propagating plants. Nylon, fiberglass or other plastic or metal screen, for example can be used for this purpose. Rotating cylindrical mesh tube  6  is also supported at both ends and in the center by bushings  19 ,  20  and  21 . See  FIG. 2 . Bushing  21  fits inside the end of rotating cylindrical mesh tube and further comprises protrusion  22 , which extends beyond the end of rotating cylindrical mesh tube  6  to engage pulley  27  for receiving drive belt  10  of motor  9 . Protrusion  22  also accommodates thrust bearing washer  28  which helps to maintain the integrity of the rotational motion of rotating cylindrical mesh tube  6  and drive belt  10 . This is seen in  FIG. 3 . Motor  9  can be any of a variety of motors. It has been found that a 12 volt motor with a no load speed of 2500-3500 r/min is suitable for application in the present invention, although any suitable motor can be used. An alternative embodiment could include a direct drive motor.  
         [0045]     Cylindrical mesh tube  6  rotates at a speed sufficient to generate enough centrifugal force to cause the liquid nutrient solution issuing from rotating cylindrical mesh tube  6  to fractionate into droplets of about 50 to 100 microns in size. The droplets should be sized so as to permit chemical bonding between oxygen species and liquid nutrient solution. The fractionated droplets leave the mesh tube and are ejected outward in all directions to nourish the plant roots. The excess nutrient solution simply falls down into the reservoir of nutrient solution for reuptake by pump  8 .  
         [0046]     The operation of the apparatus is controlled by a timer controller board  16  which comprises an electronic clock to determine the appropriate timing for turning the motor on and off and turning the pump on and off. The timer controller board  16  also comprises an electronic counter for tracking the number of motor cycles to alert the user when to replenish or change liquid nutrient solution. Also, in a self-illuminated embodiment, timer controller board  16  will control turning the lights on and off. Typically, timer controller board  16  will turn on pump  8  to begin flow of liquid nutrient solution to stationary perforated tube  7 . The timer controller board  16  will then turn on motor  9  to actuate drive belt  10  to turn rotating cylindrical mesh tube  6  to deliver liquid nutrient solution to the roots of the plants. This liquid nutrient delivery cycle will last for a short duration, typically about  3  seconds. The interval between liquid nutrient delivery cycles can be adjusted from a few minutes to about 30 minutes or longer, according to the needs of the plants being grown. An exemplary timer controller board will run on 12 volts dc and drive the motor and the pump. The timer controller board  16  is programmed to allow for the pump to begin pumping a pre-determined time before the motor is turned on. Other timing mechanism could also be utilized in the apparatus of the present invention. Such mechanisms could include a water clock, for example A suitable location for the placement of the apparatus is one having adequate light and appropriate temperature for the plants to be grown. After finding a suitable location for the apparatus, the user will mix the liquid nutrient solution according to directions suitable for the plants to be grown. Then the user will pour liquid nutrient solution into liquid nutrient solution reservoir  3 . The user will then insert plant cuttings or a seed into a seed holder such as a fibrous fabric envelope or fibrous plug, for example, and then insert the seed holder containing the seed into the plant bearing openings  11 . It is important that the seed holder be comprised of material which enables air to circulate around the seed, as well as make the seed surface available for liquid nutrient solution uptake. The user will then turn the unit on, and the plants will grow.  
         [0047]     While the present invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the specific embodiments recited herein are exemplary in nature and the invention is not to be limited thereto. Various modifications and substitutions will be obvious to the skilled artisan and such modifications and substitutions are considered to fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and substitutions of equivalent structures and functions.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0