Patent Abstract:
A hydroponic growing system utilizes a single air pump to pressurize a sealed nutrient container, where a water-based nutrient fluid is initially forced up a nutrient coupling to a hydroponic planter growing bed. After the nutrient fluid from the sealed nutrient container falls below an input of the nutrient coupling, air from the air pump continues to bubble up through the fluid coupling, thereby oxygenating both the nutrient fluid and the more highly elevated hydroponic planter growing bed. After a controlled frequency and duration of air pump activation, the air pump is deactivated, whereupon the nutrient fluid drains back to the lower elevation sealed nutrient container by gravity. A small orifice acts to depressurize the otherwise sealed nutrient container, allowing the return of the nutrient fluid. The extremely modest energy requirements of the system easily allow off-grid operation using photovoltaic cells charging rechargeable batteries that power the system.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/074,727 filed on Jun. 23, 2008, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    This invention pertains generally to hydroponic plant growing, more particularly to hydroponic plant growing systems with oxygenated nutrient solutions, and still more particularly to a hydroponic plant growing system with oxygenated nutrient solutions with no more than a single pump per hydroponic planter providing both the oxygenation and flow of the nutrient fluid. 
         [0005]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0006]    Traditional hydroponic growing systems appear to use a plurality of pumps to circulate nutrient fluids among the root systems, and still more pumps to oxygenate the nutrient fluid so that the nutrient fluids may more closely resemble the growing conditions of plants in traditional dirt growth media. Such resulting hydroponic systems tend to be complex, costly, inefficient, and cumbersome. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    An aspect of the invention is a hydroponic growing system, which may comprise: a hydroponic planter; and means for pumping a nutrient fluid to the hydroponic planter. The nutrient fluid is generally predominantly water, but will generally have additional nutrients and micronutrients suitable for plant growth. The means for pumping may comprise a sealed nutrient container that contains at least some of the nutrient fluid; a fluid coupling between the hydroponic planter and the sealed nutrient container; and an air pump fluidly coupled to the sealed nutrient container through an air coupling, whereby the sealed nutrient container nutrient fluid becomes pressurized upon activation of the air pump; wherein the pressurized nutrient fluid is initially forced through the fluid coupling to the hydroponic planter. The fluid coupling is generally a hose or tube, but may be otherwise hard plumbed so as to fluidly connect the hydroponic planter and the sealed nutrient container. 
         [0008]    In the system above, the air pump is the only pump present. This single pump implementation tends to reduce energy consumption and increase the system simplicity and efficiency. The corresponding increase in efficiency allows for off-grid operation with very low energy costs, as may be supplied with photovoltaic cells. With the single pump, air is subsequently forced through the fluid coupling to the hydroponic planter after the nutrient fluid has reached a sufficiently low level in the sealed nutrient container, thereafter oxygenating the nutrient fluid in the hydroponic planter. 
         [0009]    A timer may be used to control a frequency and duration of activation of the air pump described above. The timer and air pump above may be powered by a battery. These frequencies and durations may be the same or different depending on the growth requirements of a particular plant or crop. Additionally, the frequencies and durations may be preprogrammed into the timer/controller so as to match the growing requirements of the particular species of plants to be grown in the particular system. 
         [0010]    In the system above, a photovoltaic panel may be connected to the battery, wherein the battery is recharged upon a sufficient light flux incident upon the photovoltaic panel. Alternatively, a recharger capable of connecting to a local alternating current power system may be used to recharge the battery. 
         [0011]    The air pump may be either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) powered. Similarly, the timer may also be AC or DC powered. Should either the air pump or the timer require AC, then an inverter may be disposed between the batter and the air pump, wherein the inverter converts the battery direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) suitable for the air pump or timer, as required. 
         [0012]    In the hydroponic growing system described above, the sealed nutrient container is disposed at a lower elevation than the hydroponic planter. In this case, the nutrient fluid returns from the hydroponic planter to the sealed nutrient container through the fluid coupling when the sealed nutrient container supply fluid is no longer pressurized. This return is achieved through simple hydraulic flow due to different heights of the hydroponic planter and the sealed nutrient container. 
         [0013]    However, if the sealed nutrient container is completely sealed except for the fluid coupling and the air coupling, then the air pumped through the air coupling would pressurize the sealed nutrient container to an extent where there would be no substantial return flow of the nutrient fluid back into the sealed nutrient container, and the pressure in the sealed container would equal that of the hydraulic head in the fluid coupling. For this reason, a small orifice is introduced to allow for the slow depressurization of the sealed nutrient container. This small orifice may be disposed on the sealed nutrient container, the portion of the fluid coupling that enters the sealed nutrient container (allowing pressurized air to escape through the fluid coupling to the hydroponic planter), or in the air coupling (external to the sealed nutrient container, so as to release the air to ambient pressure). Should the air pump be sufficient leaky, an orifice may not be needed, as the backflow through the air pump may provide a sufficient depressurization rate. 
         [0014]    In an embodiment where a cap seals the sealed nutrient container, with both the air coupling and fluid coupling passing through the cap, an orifice may be introduced into the cap. 
         [0015]    By orifice, as used above, it is meant that there is an opening allowing some small percentage of the air pump flow to escape from the pressurized air space within the sealed nutrient container. 
         [0016]    Another aspect of the invention is a method of periodically supplying a nutrient fluid to a hydroponic planter, and thereafter aerating the nutrient fluid in the hydroponic planter, comprising: providing a hydroponic planter; and means for pumping a nutrient fluid to the hydroponic planter. 
         [0017]    This method may additionally comprise: pressurizing a sealed nutrient container with an air pump, so as to initially force to the hydroponic planter a nutrient fluid stored within the sealed nutrient container; and after at least some of the nutrient fluid has been pumped to the hydroponic planter, then pumping air to the hydroponic planter; and after a period of time pumping air to the hydroponic planter, turning off the air pump, thereby allowing nutrient fluid previously pumped to the hydroponic planter to return to the sealed nutrient container through a nutrient coupling. This return of the nutrient fluid from the hydroponic planter to the sealed nutrient container occurs due to a hydraulic head generated by the hydroponic planter being higher than the sealed nutrient container. 
         [0018]    Alternatively stated, a method of supplying a nutrient fluid and air to a hydroponic planter, may comprise: providing a container with a nutrient fluid therein; coupling the container to a hydroponic planter with a fluid coupling; pressurizing the container with air to initially force the nutrient fluid through the fluid coupling to the hydroponic planter; after at least some of the nutrient fluid has been forced to the hydroponic planter, forcing air through the fluid coupling to the hydroponic planter; and after a period of time wherein air is forced to the hydroponic planter, depressurizing the container to allow excess nutrient fluid previously forced to the hydroponic planter to return to the container through the fluid coupling. 
         [0019]    The method above may further comprise controlling a frequency and duration of the pressurizing step with a timer. Here, at least some of the nutrient fluid previously forced to the hydroponic planter returns to the container under the force of gravity through the fluid coupling. 
         [0020]    The method above may further comprise pressuring the container with a single electrically powered air pump. 
         [0021]    This method may also comprise recharging a rechargeable battery used to power the air pump. Further, the method may also comprise controlling the frequency and duration of the pressurizing step with a timer. 
         [0022]    In the method described above, the rechargeable battery may be selected from a group of rechargeable batteries consisting of: a flooded lead acid batter, a gel-cell battery, an absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery, a Ni-Cad batter, a nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) battery, a rechargeable alkaline battery. 
         [0023]    The method above may further comprise recharging the rechargeable battery with a photovoltaic cell. 
         [0024]    The method above may be rendered into a hydroponic aeration apparatus, capable of performing the steps described above. 
         [0025]    In the method above, the means for pumping may comprise providing regulated air from a compressed air source. Ultimately, such compressed air source may originate from a container of pressurized air, a large scale compressor capable of simultaneously supplying air to one or more of the hydroponic systems described herein. The air pump may be powered by a power source selected from a group of power sources consisting of: direct current (DC) electricity, alternating current (AC) electricity, a mechanical displacement, and a mechanical rotation. 
         [0026]    In the method above, depressurizing the sealed nutrient container may be achieved by using an orifice disposed thereupon. Alternatively, depressurizing the sealed nutrient container may be achieved by allowing pressurized air within the sealed nutrient container to return through an orifice disposed on the fluid coupling within the sealed nutrient container, or an orifice disposed on the air coupling, or a leak disposed within the air pump. 
         [0027]    A still further aspect of the invention is an integrated hydroponic aeration system, comprising: an integrated assembly, comprising: an air pump chamber that houses an air pump; a sealed nutrient container that may hold a nutrient fluid, wherein the sealed nutrient container may be selectively pressurized by the air pump; a hydroponic planter fluidly connected to the sealed nutrient container by a nutrient coupling. 
         [0028]    In the integrated hydroponic aeration system above, within the integrated assembly, the hydroponic planter is disposed at a higher elevation than the sealed nutrient container. This higher elevation of the hydroponic planter allows for the gravity drain-back of the nutrient fluid after the termination of a feeding cycle. 
         [0029]    In all of the systems described above, aeration, and hence oxygenation of the nutrient fluid may be accomplished by extending the air coupling into the sealed nutrient container, and terminating the air coupling in a bubbler. In this manner, air pumped by the air pump will bubble through the nutrient fluid prior to or simultaneously with forcing of the nutrient fluid toward the hydroponic planter. 
         [0030]    In still another embodiment, the bubbler may be disposed below a terminus of the nutrient coupling within the sealed nutrient container. In this embodiment, oxygenation through the bubbling action occurs while the nutrient fluid is pumped to the hydroponic planter. 
         [0031]    Further aspects of the invention will be brought out in the following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodiments of the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         [0032]    The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes only: 
           [0033]      FIG. 1  is a perspective diagram of an air-pressure fed hydroponic growing system, where a low pressure air pump is used to replace evaporation losses in the hydroponic nutrient bed, and to aerate the nutrient fluid in the nutrient bed. 
           [0034]      FIG. 2  is a perspective drawing of one implementation of the air-pressure fed hydroponic growing system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 3  is a detailed perspective view of a sealed nutrient container, showing the entrance and egress of air and fluid couplings, and an air pressure exit orifice. 
           [0036]      FIG. 4  is a perspective drawing of one implementation of a single air-pumped air-pressure fed hydroponic system of  FIG. 1  being used with a plenum to instead feed several hydroponic planters by using several of the sealed nutrient containers of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an integrated hydroponic system similar in function to the system of  FIG. 1 , however, the side walls of the structure form the hydroponic planter and sides of accessed bins containing the sealed nutrient container below the air pump. 
           [0038]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a larger scale version of an integrated hydroponic system, with the air pump and sealed nutrient supply laterally spaced apart, perhaps more suited to nursery growing scales. 
           [0039]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a larger scale version of an integrated hydroponic system, with an air pump external to the sealed nutrient supply, perhaps suited to home garden growing scales. 
           [0040]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a still larger scale version of an integrated hydroponic system mounted on rail cars, with one or more modified flat cars for growing, and a tanker car supplying nutrient fluid or water to make up for evaporative losses. 
           [0041]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an attractively packaged implementation of an integrated hydroponic system, suitable for patio, indoor, or other low cost applications. 
           [0042]      FIGS. 10A-10D  are perspective views of variations on the sealed nutrient container of  FIG. 3  where direct oxygenation of the nutrient fluid is achieved prior to pumping to the hydroponic planter. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Definitions 
       [0043]    The following terms are used herein and are thus defined to assist in understanding the description of the invention(s). Those having skill in the art will understand that these terms are not immutably defined and that the terms should be interpreted using not only the following definitions but variations thereof as appropriate within the context of the invention(s). 
         [0044]    “Nutrient fluid” means any dissolved or suspended element or compound suspended in a substantially water medium. 
         [0045]    “Hose” means a hollow tube designed to carry fluids from one location to another. Hoses, as used herein, include tubes or pipes (pipe usually refers to a rigid tube) whereas the hose is usually flexible, or more generally tubing. The shape of a hose is usually, but not necessarily, cylindrical (having a circular cross section). 
         [0046]    “Air coupling” means a hose that passes air. 
         [0047]    “Fluid coupling” means a hose that passes both nutrient fluid and air. 
       DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0048]    Referring more specifically to the drawings, for illustrative purposes the present invention is embodied in the apparatus generally shown in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 10D . It will be appreciated that the apparatus may vary as to configuration and as to details of the parts, and that the method may vary as to the specific steps and sequence, without departing from the basic concepts as disclosed herein. 
         [0049]    The present invention pertains to a hydroponic growing system that appears to have very high efficiency, sufficient to use low power photovoltaic or other relatively low power sources for operation. 
         [0050]    Refer now to  FIG. 1 , which is a diagram of a single pump nutrient feed and aeration system  100 . Here, an air compressor  102  is electrically connected  104  to a power source  106 . Here, power source  106  is shown as an inverter, but other power sources are possible, such as direct current (DC) battery power, DC solar power, or others. The inverter  106  is in turn electrically connected  108  to one or more rechargeable storage batteries  110 . 
         [0051]    These storage batteries  110  are nominally 12 V, but may be at other voltages as designed or desired. One application would be to use deep cycle lead-acid storage batteries  110 , although maintenance free, Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM), or gel-cell batteries may also be used. 
         [0052]    If one desired to depart from the lead-acid storage batteries, lithium, nickel-metal-hydride, or other more expensive power storage devices could be used. 
         [0053]    Regardless of the type of storage battery  110 , ultimately the battery  110  would require replenishment or recharging of energy used to power the inverter  106 , or the air pump  102  (if directly connected to the air pump  102 ). 
         [0054]    Such recharging of the storage battery  110  could readily be accomplished through the use of a photovoltaic controller  112  powered by an appropriate solar panel  114 . Depending on the design of the photovoltaic panel  114 , a photovoltaic controller  112  may not be required and a simple blocking diode (not shown) may be used to prevent drains by the photovoltaic panel  114  at night. The blocking diode may also be incorporated within the solar panel  114 . 
         [0055]    Finally, for indoor systems, or systems close to electrical power sources, a direct recharging of the storage battery  110  may be used via typical residential electrical plugs (not shown here). 
         [0056]    An air hose  116  may be used to connect the air compressor  102  to a nutrient storage fitting  118 . This nutrient storage fitting  118  allows a substantially pressure-tight fitting with nutrient storage container  120 . Within the nutrient storage container  120  is a nutrient solution  122 . The nutrient solution  122  comprises water, with the nutrients required for successful plant growth. 
         [0057]    The nutrient solution  122  is forced through a nutrient tube  124  that passes through the nutrient storage fitting  118 , and ultimately passes through a waterproof fitting  126  in a hydroponic planter  128  where plants  130  may be grown. 
         [0058]    Within the hydroponic planter  128 , an inert rooting medium (not shown) allows mechanical attachment for plant roots  132 . 
         [0059]    During operation, the air compressor  102  supplies a pressurized air supply to air hose  116 , which in turn pressurizes the interior of the nutrient storage container  120 . This pressurized air, in turn, forces the nutrient solution  122  through the nutrient tube  124  towards the hydroponic planter  128 . The nutrient solution  122  is pumped until the level of the nutrient solution  122  in the nutrient storage container  120  lies below the inlet terminus of the nutrient tube  124  within the nutrient storage container  120 . 
         [0060]    When this low level of nutrient solution  122  is reached, the pressurized air within the nutrient storage container  120  is forced through the nutrient tube  124  to the hydroponic planter  128 , where the plant roots  132  are oxygenated through the bubbles of forced air. In a small hydroponic planter, it appears that full oxygenation of the nutrient solution (now almost completely residing in the hydroponic planter  128 ) occurs in about 15 minutes of bubbling. 
         [0061]    The bubbling, which occurs within the nutrient tube  124  and within the nutrient solution now resident in the hydroponic planter  128 , is due to the hydrostatic pressure of the nutrient solution as it attempts to return to the nutrient storage container  120  through the nutrient tube  124 . Clearly, for this to successfully function, the nutrient storage container  120  must be below the hydraulic grade line of the hydroponic planter  128 . 
         [0062]    After a period of activation of the air compressor  102  (typically about 15 minutes, depending on the size of the hydroponic planter  128  and the flow rate and volume of nutrient solution originally present in the nutrient storage container  120 ), the air pump or compressor  102  is stopped via a timer controller  134 . With no continuing pressure being applied to the interior of the nutrient storage container  120 , nutrient solution flows from the hydroponic planter  128  through the nutrient tube  124  back to the nutrient storage container  120 . When completed, most of the nutrient solution has returned to the nutrient storage container  120 , except for a residual wetted amount remaining in the hydroponic planter  128  on the plant roots  132  and inert growing medium. 
         [0063]    With the return of most of the nutrient solution, the plant roots  132  have atmospheric air drawn into their interstitial spaces, allowing even more oxygenation of the roots  132 . Oxygenation of the roots is important, since oxygen prevents growth of anaerobic bacteria, which may otherwise rot the plant roots  132 . 
         [0064]    The cycle of filling the hydroponic planter  128  and draining the nutrient solution back to the nutrient storage container  120  may be repeated as desired in frequency and duration for optimal plant  130  growth. 
         [0065]    In an indoor growing environment, the photovoltaic panel  114  may be incorporated into a hood of a growing light (not shown) providing the electricity needed to charge the storage battery and operate the air pump  102  and timer controller  134 . This would “recycle” some amount of the cost of the high powered growing light. In other words, if the photovoltaic panel is closely disposed adjacent to the growing light, then there should be sufficient light energy absorbed so that the photovoltaic cell electricity may be produced for charging or operating the system, when typically growing occurs in large scale green houses. Electricity is less expensive in low demand times of the day, which are typically night and evening. 
         [0066]    Refer now to  FIG. 2 , which is a drawing of one seemingly elegant implementation  200  of the schematic of  FIG. 1 . Here, wooden (or other suitable structural material) legs  202  attach at a top platform  204  and are interconnected with cross braces  206 . The interconnected cross braces  206  support an integrated nutrient hydroponic planter  208  that is steadied by a clearance hole in the top platform  204 . 
         [0067]    The integrated hydroponic planter  208  comprises a cylindrical tube with three major regions. A topmost region  210  where plant roots may grow, a nutrient storage region  212 , where the growing nutrient is stored, and an air compressor region  214 , where an air compressor or pump  216  resides. A base  218  allows for mounting of the air compressor  216 . The base  218  may be either fixed, or removable. If removable, the base  218  would allow for replacement or repair of the air compressor or pump  216 . 
         [0068]    Air compressor or pump  216  has an output tube  220  that passes from the output of the air compressor or pump  216  through a lower seal  222  to the nutrient storage region  212 , terminating  224  near the top. A nutrient tube  226  projects down from an upper seal  228  (forming a waterproof bottom of the topmost region  210 ) until it nearly reaches the bottom of the nutrient storage region  212 , allowing fluid connection between the nutrient storage region  212  and the topmost region  210 . 
         [0069]    It should be noted that the topmost region  210 , the nutrient storage region  212 , and the air compressor region  214  are shown as if they were transparent in this  FIG. 2  drawing. Should the topmost region  210  and nutrient storage region  212  actually be transparent, inadvertent algae growth would be problematic. Therefore, at least the topmost region  210  and the nutrient storage region  212  should be optically opaque. This opacity then forestalls the algae growth problem. 
         [0070]    During use, the air compressor or pump  216 , which may be a typical aquarium pump or other more powerful pump, may be powered by an electrical connection to a rechargeable battery  230 , which may have a timer controller  232  to control the operational times and durations of the air compressor or pump  216 . The rechargeable battery  230  may in turn be recharged either by a photovoltaic cell  234 , or a wall charger  236 . The air compressor or pump  216  supplies pressurized air to the output tube  220 , which in turn pressurizes the nutrient storage region  212 . This pressurization of the nutrient storage region  212  forces nutrient solution up through the nutrient tube  226  and into the topmost region  210  where roots  238  of the plant (or plants)  240  is growing. 
         [0071]    After a sufficient time of operation of the air compressor or pump  216 , the nutrient solution has largely been moved from the nutrient storage region  212  to the topmost region  210 , and the air supplied by the air compressor  216  continues to bubble up through the nutrient tube  226  into the topmost region  210  and the plant  240  roots  238 . This continued air bubbling allows for thorough oxygenation of the nutrient solution. 
         [0072]    For an integrated hydroponic system  200  of this size, early estimates are that the air compressor  216  should be run about 15 minutes to fully oxygenate the nutrient solution in the plant  240  roots  238 . It also appears that five (5) of these cycles daily appear sufficient for thriving plant  240  growth. Horticultural testing is continuing with a goal of optimizing and further verifying these cycle parameters. 
         [0073]    Refer now to  FIG. 3 , which is an enlarged perspective view of a typical sealed nutrient container  300 . Here, a container  302  is sealed by a cap  304 . The cap may be either press fit or screwed onto the container  302 , so long as an air-tight fit is obtained between the cap  304  and the container  302 . Into the cap  304  passes an air coupling  306 , which then passes through the cap  304  to the inside  308  of the container  302 . Container  302  is typically opaque, thereby forestalling any algae growth problems. 
         [0074]    In this  FIG. 3 , the air coupling  306  is a tube or hose that passes through the cap  304 , although other air-tight connections are readily obtained, such as a tube connection to a rigid pipe passed partially or completely through the cap  304 . Such a rigid pipe may be plastic, glass, metal, or some other functionally equivalent material. 
         [0075]    Similarly, a fluid coupling  310  passes through the cap  304  extending for a longer distance  312  below the cap  304 . This longer distance  312  lowers below the resting level of nutrient fluid  314 , to a distance  316  typically very close to the bottom of the container  302 . Typical close distances may range from ½ to 3 diameters of the fluid coupling  310 , and may range from 1-20 mm. 
         [0076]    It should be noted that either or both of the air coupling  306  and the fluid coupling  310  may, instead of being passed directly through the cap  304 , may instead be passed through sealed feed throughs  318 . 
         [0077]    In operation, the cap  304 , the container  302 , the air coupling  306  and the fluid coupling  310  are sealed so that a pressure generated at the air coupling  306  results in nutrient fluid  314  being passed upward through the fluid coupling  310  with no loss of air from the environs of the container  302 . 
         [0078]    However, if there is no air loss in the system above, then when the air coupling  306  is no longer pressurized, nutrient fluid  314  will only partially drain back (presuming that the fluid coupling  310  terminus is above the container  302 ) until the container  302  is pressurized to an amount equal to the hydraulic head of the nutrient fluid  314 . Thus, an orifice  320  is added to pass through the cap  304 . 
         [0079]    The orifice  320  is sufficiently small that the nutrient fluid  314  is still mostly pumped by the air coupling  306  into the fluid coupling  310 , with some small proportion of the pumped air from the air coupling  306  exiting the orifice  320 . Then, when the pumping time is concluded, the nutrient fluid  314  passes back to the container  302 , displacing air above the nutrient fluid  312  level through the orifice  320 . 
         [0080]    Although the orifice  320  is shown here in the cap  304 , it may reside in the fluid coupling  312  within the container  302  (thereby venting the air through the fluid coupling  310 ), in the air coupling  306  exterior to the container  302 , or disposed separately on the container  302  above the nutrient fluid  314  nominal filling level. 
         [0081]    While an orifice  320  is the simplest implementation, a check valve (not shown) may replace the orifice  320 , where air is allowed to exit, but nutrient fluid  314  is not. Such a replacement of the orifice  320  would preclude spillage of nutrient fluid  314  in the event of the container  302  turning over with the cap  304  in place. 
         [0082]    Still another functionally equivalent replacement of the orifice  320  would be to use Gore-Tex® fabric, where air and water vapor are allowed exit due to the micro-porosity of the material, but liquid (which is mostly water) nutrient fluid  314  is not allowed to exit. 
         [0083]    Refer now to  FIG. 4 , which is one implementation  400  of a single air-pumped  402  air-pressure fed hydroponic system of  FIG. 1  being used with a plenum to instead feed several hydroponic planters by using several of the sealed nutrient containers  300  of  FIG. 3 . Here, a single air pump  402  is fluidly connected  404  to a plenum  406 . The individual hose connections  408  on the plenum  406  may be traditional air pressure quick disconnects, or may simply be nipples upon which vinyl air hose is pressed upon. Air couplings  410  may include additional valves  412  to terminate or regulate flow in the air couplings  410 , or may pass directly to the individual sealed nutrient containers  300  previously described in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0084]    From the individual sealed nutrient containers  300 , nutrient fluid is fed through nutrient couplings  414  to hydroponic planters  416 , where individual or groups of plants  418  are grown. 
         [0085]    One benefit of this  FIG. 4  system is that different nutrient fluid may be used depending on the plant to be grown. Thus, if tomatoes are to be grown, one nutrient fluid may be use, however, if rice is to be grown, another nutrient fluid may be used. 
         [0086]    Additionally, even though hydroponic planters and sealed nutrient containers are indicated in the  FIG. 4  as the same size, they need not be. That is, the individual hydroponic planter and sealed nutrient containers  300  may be sized as sets, allowing the single air pump  402  to be used to hydroponically grow crops in greatly varying sizes of hydroponic planters  416 . 
         [0087]    Further, air regulators  418  may be introduced into the air couplings  410  to properly regulate the pressure applied to the variously sized sealed nutrient containers  300  further accommodating hydroponic planter  416  of greatly varying sizes. 
         [0088]    For the sake of clarity, the timer, which controls the frequency and duration of powering the air pump  402 , has been omitted from the  FIG. 4 , as has the power source for the air pump  402 . These would be similar in nature to those previously shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0089]    Refer now to  FIG. 5 , which is another variation  500  of the single pump hydroponic system of  FIG. 1 . Here, the walls  502  form a square or rectangular cross section, thereby forming both the structural support and hydroponic planter  504  section of the system. A sealed nutrient container  300  previously described in  FIG. 3  is stored in a lower section  506  of the hydroponic system  500 . A middle section  508  is formed for the routing of the air coupling  510  between the air pump  512  and the sealed nutrient container  300 . 
         [0090]    An air pump  512  access door  514  allows access to the air pump  512  and its battery (or other) power source  516 . One or more hinges  518  allow for the opening and closing of the access door  514 . Similarly, a nutrient access door  520  is allowed by one or more second hinges  522 , allowing access to filling and checking the nutrient level  524  in the sealed nutrient container  300 . 
         [0091]    Operation in this implementation is similar to the previous embodiments. Here, a timer  526  controls the frequency and duration of pump  512  activation. When activated, the air pump  512  forces pressurized air down the air tube  528 , thereby pressurizing nutrient container  300 , and forcing nutrient solution  524  up the nutrient tube  510  to exit and flow into the hydroponic planter  504  inert growing medium  530 . The junction  532  between the nutrient tube  510  and the hydroponic planter  504  is water tight, preventing nutrient solution from otherwise flooding the middle section  508  air pump  512  and other components. An inverted strainer or other mesh  534  sits atop the junction  532  preventing the growing medium  530  from passing into and clogging the nutrient tube  510 . 
         [0092]    Finally, operational indicators  536  provide a status of operation (air pumping or not) or nutrient solution levels. These operational indicators  536  may connect to the timer  526 , or other sensors capable of detecting nutrient solution level in the nutrient container  300 . Access to either the air pump  512  or sealed nutrient container  300  is by operation of latches  538  or  540 , respectively. 
         [0093]    Refer now to  FIG. 6 , which is a larger scale version  600  of an integrated hydroponic system, with the air pump  602  battery  604  and sealed nutrient supply  606  laterally spaced apart. An access door  608  is secured with a latch mechanism  610 , where the door  608  pivots about hinges  612 . Fill port  614  allows for filling of the sealed nutrient container  606 , which is of a generalized rectilinear shape in this embodiment. The shape of the sealed nutrient container  606  may comprise a sloping region (not shown) to a lowest point drained by a drain line  616 , which may be sealed with a drain plug  618 . 
         [0094]    Between the fill port  614  and the drain line  616 , the sealed nutrient container  606  may readily be filled or drained, respectively, through the use of the access door  608  and opening of the drain plug  618 . 
         [0095]    The access door  608  also allows repair or maintenance access to the air pump  602 , battery  604 , or other electronics (not shown). An external wall plug  620  allows for the powering of the integrated hydroponic system  600 . For off-grid operation, one or more photovoltaic panels  622  may be used to power the air pump  602  directly, or to recharge the battery  604 , depending on the particular options desired. 
         [0096]    In operation, the air pump  602  flows air through air coupling  624  to a cap  626  with a pressure release orifice  628  as described above to allow for drain back of the nutrient fluid after air pump  602  activation has been concluded. The air coupling  624  pressurizes the sealed nutrient container  606 , thereby forcing nutrient fluid up the nutrient coupling  630 , which extends  632  to a relatively low point in the sealed nutrient container  606 . 
         [0097]    The nutrient coupling  630  continues to the hydroponic planter  634  through a leak tight connection  636  in the base of the hydroponic planter  634 . The leak tight connection  636  is covered with a mesh, screen, or strainer  638  so as to keep hydroponic growth medium (not shown here for clarity) in the hydroponic planter  634  from flowing into and potentially clogging the nutrient coupling  630 . 
         [0098]    Refer now to  FIG. 7 , which is a separable large-scale hydroponic planter system of the present invention  700 . Here, an external air source  702  (which is shown here as an air pump, but it may also be an external air compressor with or without pressure regulation), periodically flows air through an air coupling  704  to a cap  706  that seals a rectangular nutrient container  708 . Nutrient coupling  710  descends through the cap  706  to nearly the bottom of the nutrient container  708 , and passes through the cap  706  to terminate  712  in the hydroponic planter  714 . 
         [0099]    The rectangular nutrient container  708  may be filled either by the cap  706 , or by an exterior fill cap  716 . As previously discussed, small air orifice  718  vents the sealed rectangular nutrient container  708 , thereby allowing for nutrient fluid to pass from the hydroponic planter  714 , through a strainer or mesh  720  (so as to exclude the inert growing medium in the hydroponic planter  714  from the nutrient coupling  710 ), and finally return to the rectangular nutrient container  708 . Here, the small air orifice  718  is shown on the body of the rectangular nutrient container  708 , although it could also be disposed on the cap  706 . Again, the small air orifice  718  allows for the nutrient fluid to return to the rectangular nutrient container  708  by gravity return. Finally, a drain port  722  is disposed near the lowest point of the rectangular nutrient container  708 , allowing for draining of the nutrient fluid as needed. 
         [0100]    Refer now to  FIG. 8 , where we find a railroad embodiment of the single pump hydroponic system invention  800 . Here, one or more modified flat cars  802  obtain either direct nutrient fluid, or refilling of evaporative losses from the tanker car  804 . A lower section  806  of the modified flat car  802  contains an air pump (not shown) and any power storage systems, such as rechargeable batteries (also not shown). A hydroponic planter  808  lies above the lower section  806 , where inert growing medium (not shown) and growing plants (not shown) reside. 
         [0101]    Since the plants may be sensitive to too much sunlight, mesh sun screens  810  are supported  812  above the hydroponic planter  808 . Foldable photovoltaic panels  814  pivot down from the sides of the modified flat car  802  to obtain power for the air pump in the lower section  806 . 
         [0102]    In some embodiments, either all, or a limited amount of nutrient fluid may be stored in a tank  816  suspended below the modified flat car  802 . However, greater flexibility and scale may be obtained by using the separate tanker car  804  with a plurality of modified flat cars  802  supplied by the single tanker car  804  to make up for evaporative losses in the various modified flat cars  802 . 
         [0103]    Further, in some embodiments, antitheft measures (not shown) are emplaced about the modified flat car  802  so that at night, theft is deterred. 
         [0104]    Refer now to  FIG. 9 , which is a rather attractively packaged implementation  900  of the invention, suitable for patio, sun deck, indoor, or low cost applications. Here, a circular table  902  supported by three or more legs  904 , in turn supports a hydroponic planter  906  whereupon one or more plants  908  may be grown. A lower platform  910  attaches to at least some of the legs  904 . The lower platform  910  in turn supports the sealed nutrient container  300  previously described in  FIG. 3 . The lower platform  910  also may support the air pump  912  and timer/controller  914 . Power may be at lowest cost (if connected to an electrical grid) connected  916  to residential AC power. 
         [0105]    Here, the air pump  912  is activated by the timer/controller  914 , and powered by the AC power connection  916  (or other suitable power source as described above). The air pump  912  pressurizes the sealed nutrient container  300  through the air coupling  918 . Once pressurized, the sealed nutrient container flows nutrient fluid  920  through fluid coupling  922 , through the circular table  902  into a sealed connection  924  in the base of the hydroponic planter  906 . The sealed connection  924  is in turn covered by an inverted strainer  926  or other mesh (not shown) so as to prevent the clogging of the fluid coupling  922  by hydroponic growing substrate (not shown) that allows plant  908  roots to mechanically attach. 
         [0106]    Operation is similar to previous descriptions above, with nutrient fluid  920  periodically being pumped by air pump  912  to the hydroponic planter  906 , additional air is pumped by the air pump  912  to oxygenate the roots, and the nutrient fluid flows back to the sealed nutrient container  300  via gravity induced drain-back. 
         [0107]    Should the plant  908  be of a carnivorous species, additional food sources may be directly supplied to the plant in addition to the nutrient fluid  920 . 
         [0108]    Refer now to  FIGS. 10A through 10D , which are various methods of oxygenating the nutrient fluid in the sealed nutrient container previously described in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0109]      FIG. 10A  shows an apparatus  1000  where the nutrient fluid is directly oxygenated by the air coupling. Here, the air coupling  1002  passes through to a bubbler  1004 , which, when operational, produces air bubbles  1006 , thereby aerating the nutrient fluid  1008  in the sealed nutrient container  1010 . 
         [0110]      FIG. 10B  shows an apparatus  1012  where the nutrient fluid is directly oxygenated by the air coupling throughout the length of the nutrient coupling. Here, the air coupling  1014  passes through to a bubbler  1016 , which, when operational, produces air bubbles  1018  that are captured by an inverted funnel  1020 , which funnels the air bubbles  1018  throughout the length of the fluid coupling  1022 , thereby aerating the nutrient fluid  1024  as it passes out of the sealed nutrient container  1026  to a hydroponic planter. 
         [0111]      FIG. 10C  shows an apparatus  1028  where the nutrient fluid is directly oxygenated by the air coupling throughout the length of the nutrient coupling. Here, the air coupling  1030  passes through to a bubbler  1032 , which, when operational, produces air bubbles  1034  that are captured by an enlarged fluid coupling  1036 , which transports the air bubbles  1034  throughout the length of the fluid coupling  1036 , thereby aerating the nutrient fluid  1038  as it passes out of the sealed nutrient container  1040  to a hydroponic planter. 
         [0112]      FIG. 10D  shows an apparatus  1042  where the nutrient fluid is directly oxygenated by the air coupling throughout the length of the nutrient coupling. Here, the air coupling  1044  passes through to a bubbler  1046 , which, when operational, produces air bubbles  1048  that are captured by an enlarged fluid coupling  1050 , which transports the air bubbles  1048  throughout the length of the fluid coupling  1050 , thereby aerating the nutrient fluid  1052  as it passes out of the sealed nutrient container  1054  to a hydroponic planter. 
         [0113]    Although the description above contains many details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”

Technology Classification (CPC): 8