Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/791,143, filed on Mar. 8, 2013, pending, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/986,404, filed Nov. 20, 2007, both of which are incorporated herein by this reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus for growing living organisms and, more particularly, to such an apparatus which is operable to promote the growth of living organisms, such as plant life, and to maintain such growth in a desired state of development, for a predetermined period of time, and/or with other operational parameters. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     The growth of living organisms, including plant life, is essential to sustaining virtually all life forms. Plant life, for example, provides sustenance for humans, animals and other living organisms. Plant life, in part, uses carbon dioxide from its environment and, through photosynthesis, produces oxygen necessary for creating an atmosphere sufficient to permit all forms of life to be created and sustained. 
     In its natural form, plant life serves as food for animals, humans and a wide variety of other creatures and organisms. In addition, of course, plant life can be used, processed, or otherwise modified to form a multiplicity of products. Furthermore, new varieties of plant life are continuously being created both spontaneously in nature as well as by human experimentation, plant breeding and the like. Such plant breeding and discovery result both in new forms of plant life which can be employed in a multitude of uses as well as yielding new types of commodities produced thereby. Examples abound in the form of food products such as fruits, nuts, vegetables and the like, and new types of plant life employed for other uses such as in landscaping, construction, heating, medicine and virtually endless other uses. 
     Plant patents and other forms of protection are available in the United States and in other nations of the world under laws intended to promote the creation, discovery, experimentation and development of new forms or varieties of plant life. 
     Such creation, discovery, experimentation and development has led to the invention of new methods and apparatuses to assist in the achievement of these objectives. For example, throughout an extensive history, various hydroponic devices, systems and methods have been developed for these and other purposes. Hydroponics is, by definition, the cultivation of plant life in nutrient solution rather than in soil. The purposes for such technology include inexpensively and with a minimum of attention and care to produce and maintain superior specimens of plant life. Concomitantly, there has been a desire to create hydroponic systems which can be employed for virtually all forms of plant life. 
     Other considerations include the creation of hydroponic systems of virtually any capacity, whether large or small; of systems which can be employed using ambient light as well as, artificial light; which are readily controlled to accommodate changing conditions, both as to the environment in which they are used as well as to the changing requirements of the plant life as it is grown; and which achieve many other long recognized but unrealized objectives. These objectives have eluded achievement notwithstanding the development of various types of hydroponic systems virtually from the beginning of recorded history. 
     Thus, while some progress has been attained with such efforts, the success, particularly from a commercial standpoint, has been marginal. Without practical and dependable commercial application, true hydroponics has little value other than for limited scientific experimentation as in the case of a plant breeding programs. The production of seedlings for commercial planting is limited by the restricted capacity of conventional hydroponic systems. There is, thus, no prior art hydroponics system capable of providing a sufficient number of seedlings and/or plants necessary for practical commercial application. In summary in this respect, the prior art is replete with hydroponic systems incapable, as a practical matter, of being expanded to produce commercially viable yields. 
     Therefore, it has long been recognized that it would be desirable to have an apparatus for growing living organisms which is capable of producing commercially practical yields of superior quality plant life and other living organisms; which is operable to provide an optimum growing environment; which is operable to provide superior aeration of the fluid provided to the plant life or the like grown therein; which is operable to provide optimum nutrients in a manner most suited to the particular plant life to be grown; which permits modification thereof to accommodate the changing requirements of the plant life throughout its growth and maturation; which can readily be expanded to provide additional capacity or reduced in size to accommodate a particular desired capacity; which is adapted to provide improved operation in a hydroponic system; and which is otherwise entirely successful in achieving its operational objectives. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for growing plant life and other living organisms. 
     Another object is to provide such an apparatus which is adapted for use in the growth and maturation of plant life and other living organisms in a manner not heretofore achieved in the art. 
     Another object is to provide such an apparatus which has particular utility in the growth of plant life wherein the resulting plant life is of a character superior to that which has heretofore been possible. 
     Another object is to provide improved aeration of the solution supplied to the plant life grown therein as well as providing a symmetrical and unobstructed solution flow. 
     Another object is to provide such an apparatus which is operable to enable the supply of nutrients and other essential substances and conditions for plant life in a more precise and dependable manner than has heretofore been possible. 
     Another object is to provide such an apparatus which possesses the capability of consistent or intermittent introduction of the optimum oxygen to the mineral nutrient ratio. 
     Another object is to provide such an apparatus which permits the individually controlled adjustment of the nutrients and other essentials to growing plant life as the needs of the plant life may vary during the growth and maturation thereof and under any variations in the conditions to which they are subjected. 
     Another object is to provide such an apparatus which employs superior hydroponics capabilities in the administration of the supply of water, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, light and other substances and conditions required by the plant life during the growth thereof. 
     Another object is to provide such an apparatus which possesses the capability of being expanded or, alternatively, reduced in size and capacity so as to be operable to provide the precise capacity and level of production desired. 
     Another object is to provide such an apparatus which is fully capable of providing a complete commercial operation in an entirely practical manner. 
     Further objects and advantages are to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is dependable, economical, durable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes. 
     These and other objects and advantages are achieved, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, in an apparatus for growing living organisms having at least one growing unit adapted to receive at least one living organism, a source of fluid, a conduit operably interconnecting the source of fluid and the growing unit in fluid supplying relation, and at least one system for supplying the requirement by which the living organism can grow in the growing unit. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the apparatus for growing living organisms of the present invention showing representative living organisms, in this case plant life, being grown therein. 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevation of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an elevational view of the apparatus taken from the left, as viewed in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is an elevational view of the apparatus taken from the right, as viewed in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a longitudinal, horizontal section taken on line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a longitudinal, horizontal section of the apparatus showing the structure thereof in relation to the pathways of fluid movement therethrough. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the upper supply tank of the apparatus of the present invention viewed principally from the left side thereof, as viewed in  FIG. 3 , with the lid disposed in an open attitude. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the upper supply tank of the apparatus, as viewed principally from the right side thereof, as viewed in  FIG. 3 , with the lid thereof disposed in an open attitude. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the upper supply tank, as viewed principally from the top thereof, as viewed in  FIG. 4 , and with the lid thereof disposed in an open attitude so as to show the interior of the upper supply tank. 
         FIG. 10  is a somewhat enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of the lower supply tank of the present invention viewed principally from the left side thereof, as viewed in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 11  is a fragmentary, perspective view of the lower supply tank viewed principally from the right side thereof, as viewed in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 12  is a fragmentary, perspective view of the lower supply tank viewed principally from the left side thereof, as viewed in  FIG. 4 , and with a portion of the lid thereof removed to show the interior of the lower supply tank. 
         FIG. 13  is a fragmentary, perspective view of the lower supply tank, as viewed principally from the top, as shown in  FIG. 4 , and with a portion of the lid removed to show the interior of the lower supply tank. 
         FIG. 14  is a somewhat further enlarged, fragmentary, longitudinal, vertical section taken on line  14 - 14  in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 15  is a fragmentary, perspective view of one of the growing units of the apparatus of the present invention, as viewed principally from the left in  FIG. 4 , showing a representative plant growing therein. 
         FIG. 16  is a fragmentary, perspective view of the growing unit of  FIG. 15  shown principally from the opposite side thereof viewed in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is a somewhat enlarged, fragmentary, perspective, exploded view of one growing unit shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 18  is a somewhat further enlarged, fragmentary, transverse vertical section taken on line  18 - 18  in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 19  is a fragmentary, perspective, exploded view of a growing unit of a second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring more particularly to the drawings, the apparatus for growing living organisms of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral  10  in  FIG. 1 . The apparatus can generally be viewed as having a growing assembly  20  and a lighting assembly  30 . 
     Referring first to the growing assembly  20 , it can generally be viewed as having a supply system  40  shown on the right, as viewed in  FIG. 2 , and a plurality of growing housings or units  50 . As shown in the drawings, there are twelve (12) such growing units. More specifically, this is shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  5  and  6 . As will hereinafter be described in greater detail, the growing assembly  20  of the apparatus  10  can have a greater or lesser number of growing units. The specific number of growing units selected for use in the growing assembly  20  is discretionary and dependent upon the type of living organisms to be grown, the desired production capacity of the apparatus  10 , the preferences as to operation of the apparatus and a variety of other considerations. In the illustrative embodiment shown and described herein, the living organisms are living plants and will hereinafter be referred to as such. 
     The supply system  40  has a main supply housing  60  having a lower supply tank  61  and an upper supply tank  62 . The lower supply tank and upper supply tank are hereinafter referred to, for illustrative convenience, respectively as the lower tank  61  and the upper tank  62 . The upper tank is preferably rested on the lower tank as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  4 . The lower tank and upper tank are preferably, although not necessarily, constructed of a rigid plastic, or similar material, which is sufficiently strong to support the structure of the apparatus and to perform the functions hereinafter described, while being of light weight. 
     The lower tank  61  is best shown in  FIGS. 6 ,  10 ,  11 ,  12 ,  13  and  14 . The lower tank has a floor  70  on which are mounted four (4) upstanding side walls  71  to form a box like configuration. The floor and upstanding side walls are mounted in fluid tight relation to each other define, or bound, an interior  72  of the lower tank. The side walls have a substantially rectangular upper lip  73  bounding an upper opening  74 . A lid assembly  75  is removably mounted on the upper lip  73  by being press fitted thereon within a downwardly facing groove  76  extending about the periphery of the lid assembly. The lid assembly is composed of a first section  77  and a smaller second section  78 . As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the first section  77  has been removed therefrom, leaving the second section  78  in place. For illustrative convenience, the interior  72  is thereby exposed. The interior of the lower tank is perhaps best shown in  FIG. 14  in a somewhat enlarged, longitudinal vertical section. The floor  70  has a pair of parallel raised portions or supports  79  extending in across the floor within the interior  72  of the lower tank. The internal operative portions of the apparatus shown in the interior of the lower tank will subsequently be discussed. 
     The upper tank  62 , as heretofore noted, is mounted, or rested, on the lower tank  61 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . The upper tank has a floor  90  bounded by four (4) upstanding side walls extending about the periphery of the floor to form a box like configuration. The floor and upstanding side walls are joined in fluid tight relation to each other to define, or bound, an interior  92  of the upper tank. The side walls of the upper tank have a substantially rectangular upper lip  93  bounding an upper opening  94 . A lid assembly  95  is removably mounted on the upper lip  93  by being press fitted thereon within a groove  96  extending about the periphery of the lid assembly. The lid assembly is composed of a first section  97  and a smaller second section  98 . As shown in  FIGS. 7 ,  8  and  9 , the first section has been pivoted upwardly relative to the second section and while leaving the second section  98  in place. For illustrative convenience the interior  92  of the upper tank  62  is thereby exposed. The floor  90  of the upper tank has a pair of parallel raised portions or supports  99  extending across the floor within the interior  92  of the upper tank. The internal and external operative components of the apparatus will subsequently be discussed. 
     The apparatus  10  of the present invention, as noted, has a plurality of growing units  50 , shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  5 ,  6 ,  15 ,  16 ,  17  and  18 . The specific number of growing units employed in the apparatus can be selected based upon the size of the operation, the yield desired, the preferences of the operator and many other considerations. For illustrative convenience, in the preferred embodiment shown herein, there are twelve (12) growing units arranged in two rows. The growing units of the two rows are disposed in pairs spaced from each other in side-by-side relation. As shown and described herein, each growing unit in the preferred embodiment has a single plant growing therein. However, if desired, a plurality of plants can be grown in each growing unit. Alternatively, the growing units of the second embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 19  can be employed, as will hereinafter be described in greater detail. 
     Each growing unit  50  has a floor  110  having four (4) side walls  111  extending upwardly therefrom the form a box like configuration. The floor and upstanding side walls are mounted in fluid tight relation to each other to define, or bound, an interior  112  of the growing unit. The side walls have a substantially rectangular upper lip  113  bounding an upper opening  114 . A lid assembly  115  is removably mounted on the upper lip by being press fitted thereon within a downwardly facing groove  116  extending about the periphery of the lid assembly. The lid assembly is composed of a first section  117  and a smaller second section  118 . The floor  110  has a pair of parallel raised portions or supports  119  extending across the floor within the interior  112  of the growing unit  50 . The first section of the lid assembly has a hole  120  of a predetermined diameter extending therethrough into communication with the interior  112 , as shown in  FIG. 17 . 
     The supply system  40  of the apparatus  10  has a first air pump  130  mounted externally of the lower tank  61  and upper tank  62 , as best shown in  FIG. 5 . The first air pump is operably connected to the lower tank by two (2) by first air supply lines  131  which extend from the first air pump, through one of the side walls  71  of the lower tank and into the interior  72  thereof, as best shown in  FIG. 14 . Two (2) second air supply lines  132  extend from the first air pump, to the upper tank  62  and through the second section  98  of the lid assembly  95  into the interior  92  through the lid assembly  95  into the interior  92  of the upper tank. Each of the first air supply lines and second air supply lines has a fluid seal  133  extending thereabout at the point of extension through the side wall  71  of the lower tank  61  and upper tank  62 . The fluid seals operate to prevent leakage about the first air supply lines and second air supply lines. The first air supply lines extend to interior end portions  134  in the interior of the lower tank  61 . The second air supply lines extend to interior end portions  135  in the interior of the upper tank  62 . 
     The supply system  40  has a second air pump  140  mounted between the two rows of growing units  50  on the right, as viewed in  FIG. 5 . A growing unit air supply line  141  extends from the second air pump to each of the first six (6) growing units  50  on the right as viewed in  FIG. 5 ; that is, to the three (3) growing units on one side of the second air pump and to the three (3) growing units on the opposite side of the second air pump. Each of these six (6) growing units has a fluid seal  143  through which its respective growing unit air supply line extends into the interior  112  of that growing unit. Each of the growing unit air supply lines extends to an interior end portion  144  within its respective growing unit, as shown in  FIG. 18 . 
     The supply system  40  has a third air pump  150  mounted between the two rows of growing units  50  on the left, as viewed in  FIG. 5 . A growing unit air supply line  151  extends from the third air pump to each of the second six (6) growing units  50  on the left, as viewed in  FIG. 5 ; that is, to the three (3) growing units on one side of the third air pump and to the three (3) growing units on the opposite side of the third air pump. Each of these six (6) growing units has a fluid seal  153  through which its respective growing unit air supply line extends to an interior end portion  154  within its respective growing unit, as shown in  FIG. 18 . 
     Two aeration members  170  are individually mounted on the interior end portions  135  of the second air supply lines  132  within the interior  92  of the upper tank  62 . The aeration members are mounted on the supports  99  and extend in spaced, substantially parallel relation to each other within the interior of the upper tank, as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     Two aeration members  170  are individually mounted on the interior end portions  134  of the first air supply lines  131  within the interior  72  of the lower tank  61 . The aeration members are mounted on the supports  79  and extend in spaced, substantially parallel relation to each other within the interior of the lower tank, as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . 
     One aeration member  170  is mounted on the interior end portions  144  and  154  of the growing unit air supply lines  141  and  151  within the interior  112  of each growing unit  50 . The aeration member of each growing unit is mounted on the supports  119  extending transversely thereof, as shown in  FIG. 18 . 
     Each of the aeration members  170  has a proximal end portion  171  which is connected in air receiving relation to the interior end portions  135 ,  134  and  144  of their respective second air supply lines  132 , first air supply lines  131  and growing unit air supply lines  141  and  151  respectively. Each of the aeration members extends to a distal end portion  172  and has an outer surface  173  which, in cross section, forms a trucated pyramidal configuration. The aeration members can be constructed of any suitable material, but preferably are constructed of a lightweight, porous stone such as lava rock. Each aeration member has a passage running substantially the length thereof and sealed at the distal end portion  172  thereof so that air is pressurized therewithin and is forced through the outer surface  173  and thus from the aeration member, as will hereinafter be described in greater detail. 
     The upper tank  62  is best shown in  FIGS. 7 ,  8  and  9 . The lower tank  61  is best shown in  FIG. 14 . A discharge conduit  180  extends from a proximal end portion  181  within the interior  92  of the upper tank  62 , and in fluid communication therewith, to a distal end portion  182  in fluid communication with the interior  72  of the lower tank  61 . The proximal end portion and the distal end portion of the discharge conduit have fluid seals  183  individually extending thereabout where they extend through the side wall  91  of the upper tank and the side wall  71  of the lower tank  61 . 
     A float valve  190  is mounted on the distal end portion  182  of the discharge conduit  180  within the interior  72  of the lower tank  61 . The float valve has a valve assembly  191  which is operated by a valve arm  192  mounting a float  193  thereon near the end of the valve arm and near the center of the interior  72  of the lower tank  61 . The float and valve arm operate the float valve to close, or shut off, the valve assembly when raised relative thereto and to open the valve assembly to fluid flow therethrough when pivoted downwardly from the closed position shown in  FIG. 14 . The valve assembly can, for purposes hereinafter described, be temporarily locked in as closed or opened position. 
     The supply system  40  has a fluid circulation system generally indicated by the numeral  200  in  FIG. 5 . The fluid circulation system has a left main conduit  201  which is mounted in fluid tight, fluid receiving relation on the side wall  71  of the lower tank  61  on the left, as viewed in  FIG. 4 . The left main conduit is disposed in fluid receiving relation to the interior  72  of the lower tank. A right main conduit  202  is mounted in fluid tight, fluid receiving relation on the side wall of the lower tank  61  on the right, as viewed in  FIG. 4 . The right main conduit is disposed in fluid receiving relation to the interior  72  of the lower tank. The left main conduit includes a plurality of left main conduit sections  203  which individually interconnect the lower tank with the nearest growing unit  50  and individually in series with successive growing units in order. The right main conduit includes a plurality of right main conduit sections  204  which individually interconnect the lower tank with the nearest growing unit  50  and individually in series with successive growing units as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 5 . 
     As shown on the left, as viewed in  FIG. 6 , a return conduit assembly  205  interconnects the last left main conduit section  203  and the last right main conduit section  204  in fluid tight, fluid transferring relation. The return conduit assembly has a central connection  206  mounting a main shut off valve  207 . The return conduit assembly has fluid pump  215  which is operably connected to the main shut off valve  207  by a linking conduit  216 . A return conduit  217  has a proximal end  218  and an opposite distal end  219 . The proximal end of the return conduit is connected in fluid receiving relation to the fluid pump  215 . The distal end of the return conduit is disposed in juxtaposition to the lower tank  61 . 
     A fluid dispersal assembly  220  is mounted on the distal end  219  of the return conduit  217  and extends through the adjacent side wall  71  of the lower tank  61 , as best shown in  FIG. 14 . The fluid dispersal assembly has an elbow conduit  221  which directly extends through the side wall  71  in fluid tight relation by virtue of a seal  222  extending thereabout. A fluid discharge housing  223  is mounted on the elbow conduit  221  within the interior  72  of the lower tank  61 . The fluid discharge housing is operable to discharge fluid received from the elbow conduit in a splayed pattern in the interior  72  of the lower tank, as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     The apparatus  10  has a nutrient distribution system generally indicated by the numeral  230  in  FIG. 14 . The nutrient distribution system has a fluid pump  231  mounted on the floor  70  in the interior  72  of the lower tank  61 . The fluid pump  231  is operable to receive fluid in the interior  72  and pump the fluid through a main nutrient conduit  232  having a proximal end  233  mounted in fluid receiving relation on the fluid pump  231 . The main nutrient conduit  232  has a distal end  234 . The proximal end of the main nutrient conduit extends through the side wall  71  of the lower housing in fluid tight relation by virtue of a seal  235  extending thereabout. A fluid valve  236  is operably mounted on the distal end  234  of the main nutrient conduit. The fluid valve  236  is normally disposed in a closed position to seal the distal end  234 . When desired, however, the fluid valve can be placed in an open position to drain the main nutrient conduit and thereby the entire apparatus  10 , as will hereinafter be described. 
     Each of the growing units  50  has a plant housing, or basket,  250  mounted in the hole  120  of the first section  117  of the lid assembly  115 . The plant basket has a bottom panel  251  having a downwardly tapered side wall  252 , as shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . The plant basket has an outwardly extending circular upper lip  253 . The plant basket of each growing unit is received and mounted in the hole  120  by the upper lip of each growing unit resting on the first section  117  of the lid assembly  115 . The tapered side wall and bottom panel have a multiplicity of passages or openings  254  extending therethrough. The tapered side wall and bottom panel  251  bound and thereby define an interior  255  of the plant basket. The interior of the plant basket contains and is substantially filled with a growing medium  256 . In the preferred embodiment, the growing medium is a non-soil material, such as vermiculite, or expanded clay pellets, which absorbs fluids, such as water, nutrients, air, and the like. However, if desired, the growing medium can be soil, a soil and non-soil mixture, or the like. 
     A representative seedling or plant  257  is shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  15 ,  16 ,  17 , and  18  growing in the growing medium  256  of each growing unit  50 . It will be understood that any type of plant life or other living organisms can be grown in each growing unit. It will similarly be understood that the plant can be grown from seed planted in each growing unit. 
     The nutrient distribution system  230  includes a plurality of supply conduits  270  each having a proximal end  271  and a distal end  272 . The proximal end  271  of each supply conduit is connected in fluid receiving relation to the main nutrient conduit  232 . The distal end of each supply conduit is connected in fluid supplying relation to a nutrient release member  273  which is made of a porous material. 
     The nutrient release member  273  has a proximal end  274  and a distal end  275 . Each nutrient release member is received in the growing medium  256  of its respective growing unit  50  in a substantially vertical attitude with the distal end thereof adjacent to the bottom panel  251  of its respective plant basket and in adjacent spaced relation to its respective plant  257 , as best shown in  FIG. 18 . 
     The lighting assembly  30  of the apparatus  10  of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3  and  4 . The lighting assembly is suspended above and in spaced relation to the growing assembly  20 . The lighting assembly is aligned with the growing assembly  20 . The lighting assembly is suspended by any suitable means, not shown, in this position. The lighting assembly has a main housing  276  having two (2) spaced, downwardly projecting light fixtures  277 . The light fixtures are operable downwardly to project ultraviolet light on the plants  257  within the growing units  50 . Other types, or combinations, of light can be projected from the light fixtures as desired. 
     The main housing  276  has an air duct  278  interconnecting the light fixtures  277  and extending upwardly to a pair of air vent assemblies  279  operable to release heat developed by the light fixtures during operation. The air vent assemblies can have fans, not shown, therein operable to assist in drawing heated air upwardly toward and through the air vent assemblies for upward release of the heated air. 
     For purposes of describing operation of the apparatus  10 , it will be understood that the upper tank  62  is filled to a pre-selected level therein with a nutrient fluid, not shown. The lower tank  61  is filled, as will be described, with a nutrient fluid  280  to an upper surface or level  281 . Similarly, the interior  112  of each growing unit  50  is filled, as will be described, with nutrient fluid  282  to a pre-selected upper surface or level  283 . As shown in  FIGS. 14 and 18 , during operation each aeration member  170  releases air bubbles  284  into the nutrient fluid within the upper tank  62 , lower tank  61  and each growing unit  50 . 
     A second embodiment of the apparatus  10  of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral  300  in  FIG. 19 . In the second embodiment, only the growing units are different from those of the first embodiment. The growing units of the second embodiment of the apparatus  10  are generally indicated by the numeral  350 . Except as hereinafter discussed, the same reference numerals are used with respect to the growing unit  350  as in the case of the growing units  50  of the first embodiment of the invention heretofore set forth. Thus, the only difference between the growing units  350  and the growing units  50  are that the growing units  350  have four (4) holes  120  individually adapted to receive four (4) plant baskets  250 . In addition, each plant basket of the growing units  350  individually have supply conduits  270  with nutrient release members  273 . Still further, each plant basket of each growing unit  350  has a plant  257  individually growing therein. In all other respects, the second embodiment  300  of the present invention is the same as the first embodiment heretofore set forth. 
     Operation 
     The operation of the described embodiments of the subject invention are believed to be clearly apparent and are briefly summarized at this point. 
     Reference is first made to the upper tank  62 , best shown in  FIGS. 7 ,  8  and  9 . A specific fluid is described herein purely for illustrative convenience. It will be understood that any desired fluid can be employed depending, in part, on the specific type of living organism to be grown in the growing units  50 . With the first section  97  of the lid assembly  95  disposed in a raised attitude, a fluid, containing the nutrients desired for the stage of development of the plants  257 , is placed, or formed, in the interior  92  of the upper tank  62 . This fluid would, for example, consist of water containing an admixture of nutrients in the quantities desired, such as, for example, molasses, marine bird guano, phosphoric acid, bat guano, calcium nitrate, potassium sulfate and kelp meal. This nutrient fluid can be one already formulated by a commercial supplier, mixed externally of the upper tank, can be mixed, in whole or in part, within the interior of the upper tank, or can be supplied from any other source. 
     In any case, before filling of the interior  92  of the upper tank  62  with this resulting nutrient fluid, the valve assembly  191  of the float valve  190  is placed in a closed position. This permits the desired amount of nutrient fluid to be placed in and/or mixed within the upper tank without draining therefrom through the discharge conduit  180  into the interior  72  of the lower tank  61 . 
     During filling of the interior  92  of the upper tank  62  with the nutrient fluid, the first air pump  130  is operated to supply air from the adjacent environment through the second air supply lines  132  to the two (2) aeration members  170  within the upper tank, as best shown in  FIG. 9 . The air, under pressure, is forced out of the aeration members and introduced to the nutrient fluid in the form of air bubbles  284 . The air bubbles buoyantly pass upwardly in the nutrient fluid within the upper tank thereby aerating the nutrient fluid. This process is continued during the presence of nutrient fluid within the upper tank. The first section  97  of the lid assembly  95  can then be closed to prevent the nutrient fluid from inadvertently being contaminated. However, nutrient fluid is continuously added to the interior of the upper tank as the apparatus  10  is operated as necessary to maintain the desired volume of nutrient fluid within the upper tank as it is consumed. 
     The valve assembly  191  of the float valve  190  is then placed in an opened condition so that the float  193  is free to float and valve arm  192  thus operates the valve assembly in a normal manner. Since, at this time, the interior  72  of the lower tank  61  is empty, the float is gravitationally retained in a lowered position thus maintaining the valve assembly  191  in an opened condition. The opening of the valve assembly causes nutrient fluid  280  gravitationally to flow from the upper tank  62  into the interior  72  of the lower tank  61  through the discharge conduit  180  and the float valve  190 . This can best be visualized upon reference to  FIG. 14 . The interior of the lower tank is filled with the nutrient fluid to a predetermined upper level  281  thereby causing the float  193  and valve arm  192  to move upwardly to operate the valve assembly  191  so that it is placed in the closed position. The float valve thus maintains the predetermined upper level  281  within the lower tank  61 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . The main shut off valve  207  is placed in an opened condition. 
     At this time, the lower tank  61  is filled with nutrient fluid  280  to the predetermined upper level  281  and is maintained in this condition by operation of the float valve  190 . The first air pump  130  pumps ambient air from externally thereof through the first air supply lines  131  into the two (2) aeration members  170 . This releases air bubbles  284  from the aeration members to pass upwardly through the nutrient fluid  282  therewithin continuously to aerate the nutrient fluid and supply diffused oxygen into the nutrient fluid. 
     Nutrient fluid  280  passes, by way of gravity flow, from the interior  72  of the lower tank  61 , through the fluid circulation system  200  along the left main conduit  201  and the right main conduit  202 . As shown best in  FIG. 6 , the nutrient fluid is thereby passed through the six (6) pairs of growing units  50  to maintain a volume of nutrient fluid  282  within each growing unit reaching the upper level  283  thereof, as shown in  FIG. 18 . 
     Ambient air is pumped through the growing unit  50  air supply lines  141  and  151  by the second air pump  140  and the third air pump  150 . The air is thus pumped into the aeration members  170  from which air bubbles  284  are released into the nutrient fluid  282  so as buoyantly to rise through and supplying diffused oxygen thereto. Since nutrient fluid continues to pass along the left and right main conduits  201  and  202 , respectively, through the growing units, a degree of fluid circulation is established in the nutrient fluid within each growing unit. This continues to mix the ingredients within the nutrient fluid as well as to distribute the air bubbles within the nutrient fluid. This, once again, causes continued aeration of the nutrient fluid. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 18 , the upper level  283  of the nutrient fluid  282  within each growing unit  50  is just immediately beneath the bottom panel  251  of that growing unit&#39;s respective plant basket  250 . The fluid circulation causes periodic contact of the nutrient fluid with the bottom panel and the growing medium  256  therewith which, as in the case of vermiculite, or expanded clay pellets, absorbs and retains the aerated nutrient fluid for absorption as needed by the plant  257 . Additionally, such aeration and fluid circulation releases vapor of the nutrient fluid above the upper level  283  within the growing unit for absorption for the same purpose by the growing medium. 
     Still further, the supply conduits  270  of the nutrient distribution system  230 , under the impetus of the fluid pump  231 , supply nutrient fluid  282  to the individual nutrient release members  273  within the growing medium  256  of each growing unit  50 . As can best be seen upon reference to  FIG. 18 , each nutrient release member is vertically oriented within the growing medium of its respective plant basket  250  adjacent to the plant  257  thereof. Thus, nutrient fluid is absorbed by the growing medium for consumption by the plant  257  thereof. Any of the nutrient fluid not absorbed by the growing medium is released through the openings  254  to drain from the plant basket into the nutrient fluid within the growing unit. 
     As can be visualized upon reference to  FIG. 6 , the nutrient fluid  282  passing along the left main conduit  201  and right main conduit  202  reaches and passes into the return conduit assembly  205 . From the return conduit assembly, the nutrient fluid passes, in sequence, through the main shut off valve  207 ; the linking conduit  216 ; the fluid pump  215 ; the return conduit  217 ; the fluid discharge housing  223 ; and, in a spray pattern, back into the interior  72  of the lower tank  61 . The lower tank thus pulls, in effect, the nutrient fluid back into the lower tank. The spray pattern disperses the nutrient fluid about the interior of the lower tank and assists again in mixing the ingredients comprising the nutrient fluid within the lower tank. 
     The nutrient distribution system  230  supplies the nutrient fluid  282  to the respective nutrient release members  273  of the individual growing units  50 . This is achieved through the nutrient distribution system by means of the fluid pump  231  of the lower tank  61  adjacent to the floor  70  thereof into the main nutrient conduit  232 . This can best be visualized upon reference to  FIG. 14 . 
     Nutrient fluid  282 , under pressure from the fluid pump  231 , is passed through and along the main nutrient conduit  232  from right to left, as viewed in  FIG. 5 . At this time, of course, the fluid valve  236  is in a closed condition. The nutrient fluid, under fluid pressure, is passed through the individual supply conduits  270  and into their respective nutrient release members  273  of the individual growing units  50 . The nutrient fluid is emitted by each nutrient release member into the growing medium  256  which absorbs the nutrient fluid for retention until taken in by the plant  257  as it grows. Any surplus nutrient fluid leaks from the growing medium, through the openings  254  in each plant basket  250  and drains into the nutrient fluid  282  within each growing unit. The surplus nutrient fluid within the growing units continues to be circulated through the fluid circulation system  200 , as previously discussed. 
     The light fixtures  277  of the main housing  276  of the lighting assembly  30  are operated to provide ultraviolet light for the plants  257  therebelow within the growing units  50 . This permits photosynthesis to take place within the plants as necessary for plant growth. The air duct  278  and air vent assemblies  279  draw off heat produced by the light fixtures so as to avoid damage to the plants and otherwise to provide an optimum growing environment. 
     When the main shut off valve  207  is closed, the nutrient fluid  282  is thus prevented from entering the return conduit  217  and passing back through the return conduit to the interior  72  of the lower tank  61 . Return to the interior of the lower tank can only be through the left main conduit  201  and the right main conduit  202  reversing the normal direction of movement therethrough. Opening of the fluid valve  236  and continued operation of the fluid pump  231  causes the entire apparatus  10  to be emptied of nutrient fluid through the lower tank  61 , main nutrient conduit  232  and the fluid valve  236 . This may be done for purposes of cleaning the apparatus, mixing and using a different fluid, or for any other desired purpose. 
     It will be understood that all components of the apparatus  10  requiring electrical power for operation are supplied therewith, as necessary, through suitable electrical and control systems, not shown. 
     The second embodiment  300  of the apparatus  10 , shown in  FIG. 19 , operates in the same manner heretofore described. The only substantial difference is that the growing unit  350  of the second embodiment each has four (4) plant baskets  250  individually provided with the supporting systems heretofore described. 
     In both the first embodiment  10  and the second embodiment  300 , the plant baskets  250  are not fastened to their respective growing units  50  and  350 . The plant baskets are simply held in position by gravity with their individual upper lips  253  rested on the first section  117  of the lid assembly  115  of its respective growing unit. Consequently, each plant basket can be lifted from its respective growing unit, the growing unit air supply line  141  and supply conduit  270  removed therefrom, the plant thereof removed after completion of their productive lives, or any other intended usage. There are no other removal requirements. Similarly, with or without replacement of the growing medium  256 , a new seed or seedling or other living organism can be planted in the growing medium within the plant basket; the plant basket reinserted, as descried, in its respective growing unit; and the growing unit air supply line and supply conduit reattached. The apparatus requires no other installation steps. 
     Significantly, in the apparatus  10  of the present invention is distinct from the prior art in numerous important respects. This includes, but not limited to, the fact that the nutrient fluid is continuously circulated during operation and thus is not stagnant; that the nutrient fluid level can be raised or lowered as desired; and that there is continuous aeration of the nutrient fluid. 
     Still further, the employment of an in-line fluid pump produces peripheral negative pressure which moves the nutrient solution, or fluid, to a central control module, that being the lower supply tank  61 . This achieves rapid surface aeration. Supplemental dissolved oxygen is individually supplied to each of the growing units  50  by way of the aeration members  170 . Thus, a perpetual nutrient cycling system is established for the growing units  50  which, in addition, delivers replenished dissolved oxygen to each of the growing units during operation of the circulatory in-line fluid pump. The underlying manifold interconnects the growing units to enable nutrient solution to be supplied symmetrically beneath the plant roots of the growing units. 
     Therefore, the apparatus for growing living of the present invention is capable of producing commercially practical yields of superior quality plant life and other living organisms; is operable to provide an optimum growing environment; is operable to provide superior aeration of the fluid provided to the plant life or the like grown therein; is operable to provide optimum nutrients in a manner most suited to the particular plant life to be grown; permits modification thereof to accommodate the changing requirements of the plant life throughout its growth and maturation; can readily be expanded to provide additional capacity or reduced in size to accommodate a particular desired capacity; is adapted to provide improved operation in a hydroponic system; and is otherwise entirely successful in achieving its operational objectives. 
     Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention which is not to be limited to the illustrative details disclosed.

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