Patent ID: 8261486

Claim:
A hydroponic system for providing liquid to a plant or a seed that can germinate into a plant, said system comprising: a) a liquid delivery device; b) an actuator for controlling delivery of liquid to the plant or seed; c) an electronic controller circuit board operatively connected to said liquid delivery device and said actuator; d) a vessel comprising a first component of said actuator; and e) a vessel support removably attached to said vessel and comprising a second component of said actuator; wherein said actuator is controlled by said electronic controller circuit board and is electrically operable only when said vessel is brought into contact with said vessel support such that said first component of said actuator contacts said second component of said actuator to form a complete electric circuit; f) a vessel cover; g) a plant or seed located in said vessel, wherein the plant or seed grows through an opening in said vessel cover.