Irrigator Patents (Class 47/79)
  • Publication number: 20110036008
    Abstract: The present invention provides a planting container capable of sufficiently and stably supply planting water to a rhizosphere where roots of a plant grow, securing as large a space as possible for the rhizosphere, and further accelerating the growth of the stem or leaves of the plant. The planting container comprises a planting container body 1 including a planting space 2 having an opening at a front portion thereof to allow a plant to grow, a reservoir 8 for planting water that is provided in a lower part of the planting space 2, and a water-absorbing planting bed placed within the planting space 2 with a bottom portion thereof being positioned in the reservoir 8 for absorbing planting water retained in the reservoir 8 to cultivate the plant, wherein the container further comprises a receiving surface 10 for receiving the planting bed within the planting space 2 formed as an inclined surface that is raised progressively toward the opening and is lowered progressively away from the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: SUNTORY HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: Masaki Hashimoto, Hironobu Ota, Norio Kanayama
  • Publication number: 20110016782
    Abstract: A plant growing assembly is configured to grow a plurality of plants in multiple directions above a ground surface. The assembly includes a growing container and a support structure for elevating the container above the ground surface. The container presents a generally hollow body to retain a plant-growing medium and the plurality of plants. The body extends along an axis to present opposite axial end margins and a radial peripheral wall. The wall defines a plurality of discrete plant-receiving ports extending therethrough, and disposed generally radially about the wall. A method of growing plants above ground in substantially opposite directions from one another is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Scott Harder
  • Publication number: 20110016784
    Abstract: The systems and methods of the present disclosure provide an integrated modular wall planter and method of creating a modular wall planter displays. The systems and methods could include using troughs, support systems, mounting brackets, guides, and irrigation system to create a modular display of troughs in an efficient and cost effective manner. The irrigation system could help to maintain the viability of any live plants used in the planter displays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Steve M. Taber
  • Publication number: 20110005131
    Abstract: Growth system for plants, comprising a tube (1) which is arranged to be inserted by plant cartridges (2) each comprising at least one plant (3) and enabling the plant roots to extend into the interior of the tube. Moreover, the tube may comprise moistening channels (4) for moistening the plant roots, drain gutters (5) for draining water surplus and a channel (6) for supplying CO2 and/or another gaseous medium to the plant roots. Additionally, the tube may comprise a permeable separation wall (7) between a plant root area (8) and the drain gutters (5) and/or the channel (6) for supplying CO2 to the plant roots. The tube, including any comprised channels, may be manufactured of a thin-walled, foil-like plastic, e.g. by extrusion. An anti-biofouling layer and/or treatment may be provided at the tube's interior surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Jan J. Smits, Franciscus Johannes Ignatius van Maanen, Leonardus Antonius Maria Brouwers
  • Publication number: 20110000131
    Abstract: The present invention provides a flower pot using humidity sensor material to prompt watering, including an outer pot body, in the form of a watertight dish body, an inner pot body, and a humidity sensor material that is packed in the pot wall of the outer pot body. The inner pot body is fabricated from multi-pore material and is disposed within the outer pot body, and the inner pot body brim is provided with a water filling hole. Or the outer pot body is fabricated from multi-pore material, the outer wall thereof being coated with a water resisting layer and includes a sensing region coated with a humidity sensor material. Accordingly, the water content in the inner pot body can be known through use of the humidity sensor material, prompting the user whether or not to add water, and further regulating the water content of the potted plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Tien-Yin CHAN, Chin-Sheng Lee, Zhe-Yong Wu
  • Patent number: 7861459
    Abstract: A hydroponic liquid nutrient circulation system which includes a plurality of liquid reservoirs, each with a sidewall opening that receives the shank of a split tee device that has separate liquid inlet and outlet passages for flow of liquids into, and out of, the internal space of the reservoirs. The system may include a controller reservoir connected to one or more of these liquid reservoirs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: General Hydroponics, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence L. Brooke, Henry Rie
  • Publication number: 20100325953
    Abstract: A flowerpot comprises a box body and a spacer. The buckling sheets of the spacer are buckled to the buckling recesses of the box body; and the spacer is placed upon the projection sheets and the wall assembly; a lower space and rear side of the box body below the spacer is formed with a water collecting tank and the space of the upper front side of the box body above the spacer is formed with a planting tank. In use, the hook of the spacer and the hook portion of the box body is attached to one supporting rod of a frame assembly and the two protrusions are placed upon another supporting rod. The water draining opening guides water from an upper flowerpot to a lower flowerpot. The water absorption sheets installed in the spacer can guide water from the water collecting tank to the planting tank automatically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Hsiao-An Chang
  • Publication number: 20100325952
    Abstract: Two designs for rooftop irrigation apparatus are provided. The apparatus employ sub-irrigation and wicking technology to nourish vegetation supported by the apparatus. The apparatus may be placed on outdoor surfaces such as roofs. The first apparatus comprises interlocking modules. The use of sub-irrigation technology enables the modules to sustain a wide variety of plant-life. In addition, the plants may be removed and replaced easily by other plants, including hydroponic plants and vegetables. The second apparatus is a tray that contains an array of wicked protrusions that may hold plant roots and nourish the plants through sub-irrigation. Both apparatus may utilize control systems to control the level of water underneath the vegetation. Excess water may be stored in an auxiliary tank for later use or discharged from the system to decrease apparatus load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: James Luke Young, Andrew Richard Camp
  • Patent number: 7856755
    Abstract: Described is a planter system, comprising: at least one water retaining vessel; a bedding material layer disposed above the at least one water retaining vessel; a structure surrounding the at least one water retaining vessel and the bedding material layer; and at least one fill tube extending from above the bedding material layer, through the bedding material layer, and into the at least one water retaining vessel, through which water is supplied to the at least one water retaining vessel to a predetermined level. Also, a method of making such a planter system having an elevated bedding material layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Donald L. Riesterer
  • Publication number: 20100319251
    Abstract: A fallow-free aerobic garden having sufficient water and oxygen supply can be applied to an artificial garden in the air and a conventional garden on the ground. A gravel layer is laid as a bottom layer of the garden. An air tube is arranged in the gravel layer. A net layer is arranged onto the gravel layer. A cultivation soil is laid onto the net layer. A water tube is arranged in the cultivation soil. Net covers are wrapped around each air vent and water outlet formed to the air tube and the water tube. Air is supplied by the air tube under a predetermined air pressure and a predetermined volume of water is supplied by the water tube under a predetermined water pressure so that an appropriate environment for growing fruits and vegetables is formed to the artificial garden.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Jui-Chang Su
  • Publication number: 20100307057
    Abstract: The present invention provides a rainwater catchment apparatus that is easily installed without renovating a building. The rainwater catchment apparatus comprises a rainwater inlet for introducing rainwater, a flange portion engaged with a peripheral portion of a rainwater outlet serving as a leading end of a drainage canal formed in a building framework for introducing rainwater in the rainwater inlet, a drain portion for discharging excessive water exceeding a predetermined level to the drainage canal, a reservoir freely fitted into the drainage canal through the rainwater outlet, and a pumping mechanism for pumping water stored in the reservoir to the outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: SUNTORY HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: Masaki Hashimoto, Yoshiro Miyake
  • Patent number: 7832146
    Abstract: A self watering planter device and method of watering allowing water to be supplied by means of standard garden water hose and existing water faucet. A plurality of said self watering planters capable of being daisy-chained in a serial configuration to allow a single source of water from a standard water faucet and standard garden water hoses to provide irrigation water to all of said plurality of self watering planters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Jeff Gordon
  • Publication number: 20100275513
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an aerial vegetation cover architectonic system (1) comprising one column (2), one vase (3), arms (4) and tie rods (5). The vase (3) comprises, inside itself, a substrate and fertilizer for plants and vegetables cultivation, which, when grown, will cover the system arms and tie rods (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: Paulo Andre De Miranda Macdowell
  • Patent number: 7823326
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for unattended watering of plants over an extended period of time utilizing a watering system that regulates a partial vacuum to control the discharge of water to the roots of the plants. A water reservoir is provided having an encapsulated interior cavity and an exterior exposed to ambient air, and having upper and lower ends. The reservoir is located above the root level of a plant to be watered. At least one drain opening is defined in the lower end of the reservoir. The upper end of the reservoir is closed and is provided with an adjustable valve, preferably a pinch valve, and an air conduit, preferably a flexible tube, that passes through the valve and extends between the interior and the exterior of the reservoir. The valve thereby interacts with the conduit to partially obstruct air flow through it, so as to maintain a partial vacuum in the upper end of the reservoir as water drains from the lower end of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: John Hui
  • Patent number: 7810278
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for unattended watering of plants over an extended period of time utilizing a watering system that regulates a partial vacuum to control the discharge of water to the roots of the plants. A water reservoir is provided having an encapsulated interior cavity and an exterior exposed to ambient air, and having upper and lower ends. The reservoir is located above the root level of a plant to be watered. At least one drain opening is defined in the lower end of the reservoir. The upper end of the reservoir is closed and is provided with an adjustable valve, preferably a pinch valve, and an air conduit, preferably a flexible tube, that passes through the valve and extends between the interior and the exterior of the reservoir. The valve thereby interacts with the conduit to partially obstruct air flow through it, so as to maintain a partial vacuum in the upper end of the reservoir as water drains from the lower end of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: John Hui
  • Patent number: 7809475
    Abstract: A system and a method of computer controlled irrigation and fertigation composed of one or more sensors positioned in order to quantify the amount of water and/or nutrients that a plant is consuming. By controlling the fertigation, the plant or a part thereof, has improved yield and quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: FW Enviro, LLC
    Inventor: Craig L. Kaprielian
  • Publication number: 20100236142
    Abstract: A home garden planter system is shown that can be assembled or disassembled for movement from one location to another. A frame with quick connecting corners is provided. A hose connects passages in a portion of the frame to a source of pressurized water. Opposite ends of the passages connect to irrigation devices for watering said soil within the frame. A translucent cover is supported above the frame. Also, a bed may be included that fits snuggly within the frame and holds the soil in which the plants will grow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: Michael S. Drewry
  • Patent number: 7788850
    Abstract: An in-ground planting pot apparatus for facilitating watering and fertilizing a plant having: a frustro-conical portion having a minimum diameter, a maximum diameter opposite the minimum diameter, and an outer surface; a curved lip portion circumscribing most of the maximum diameter and extending outwardly from, and having an outside diameter greater than, the maximum diameter, the curved lip portion starting on the outer surface and terminating at the same plane formed by the maximum diameter; and an elongated tray portion having a tray bottom that is co-planar with the start of the curved lip portion, and a tray rim starting from the tray bottom and terminating at the same plane formed by the maximum diameter and curved lip portion The apparatus can be inserted into soil with the minimum diameter down and a fraction of the frustro-conical portion remaining above ground, a plant may be planted in the middle, and then water and fertilizer dispensed into the frustro-conical, tray, and lip portions which direct
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Everett Colburn
  • Publication number: 20100212225
    Abstract: A nutrient-holding and flow control system (20) for connection in-line with the flow of water to a plant includes a receptacle (50) having an interior (101) into which nutrients (103) can be positioned and a dispensing head (60) including a substantially circular conduit ring (74) having at least one hose section (82 or 84) having perforated sidewalls (86) through which water and dissolved nutrients are permitted to seep. An intermediate conduit arrangement (80) is joined intermediate the receptacle and the conduit ring for conducting water and dissolved nutrients from the receptacle into the conduit ring at multiple locations thereabout which are disposed at regular spaced intervals around the conduit ring. In addition, a flow controller (52) is associated with the receptacle for permitting a user to shut off or adjust the flow rate of water through the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Wilson A. Felknor
  • Patent number: 7770324
    Abstract: A planter system includes an adjustable height and angular orientation planter and an optionally adjustable irrigation system for controllably supplying water to the planter and/or surrounding terrain. The planter is configured to controllably travel up and down a vertical support, such as a section of a planter pole or other suitable vertical support structure, from a highest to a lowest position using a pulley and winch, block and tackle, rotating shaft, continuous pulley driven belt, continuous sprocket driven chain, lead screw, ball screw, a ballast, hydraulics, pneumatics, spring or other lifting subsystem. The irrigation system may be configured to supply water to the planter and or to the surrounding terrain. The planter is carried along the pole, allowing it to be controllably rotated at any height along the travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: James Hogan
  • Publication number: 20100192463
    Abstract: A multi container system of at least one each of the first container, and at least one second and at least one third container, each of which has a chamber therein. The first container has a water retaining chamber with water input and water output as well as a water self leveling means. The second container has a water transfer chamber in which a wicking tray loaded with a wicking medium is placed, preferably on a drainage tray, said medium being used to transfer the water to the plants disposed in a third container's plant receiving chamber. The container #3 nests within the water transfer chamber of container #2, to receive water therefrom by capillary action. Container #1 is fluidly connected to a first container #2 for water transfer, and a series of containers #2 may be linked, as space limitations and grade permit, or as may be desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Donald J. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20100192460
    Abstract: An economical self supporting structure for holding soil or other growing medium above ground level that allows the user to cultivate plants for consumption or decorative purposes. This design is based on the engineering principle that a circular thin wall structure can contain fluid media without external supports. The outward pressure of the growing medium (soil) inside the circular structure holds the walls vertical and round thus enabling a minimum amount of structural material making this garden design less costly and easier to construct than traditional rectangular box structures made from wood or similar straight construction materials. Because stakes or other support systems are not required, the self supporting circular design is superior for soil containment and superior for the many accessories which can be added including bean pole “tee pees”, hoop structure for plant support or tents (bird net, shade net or plastic for frost protection), and irrigation systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: DAVID D. HART, Kenneth Sheppard, Ernie Abdon
  • Publication number: 20100175319
    Abstract: A plant hydration pallet tray for supporting, hydrating, transporting and displaying several potted plants in a commercial/retail environment, has a generally rectangular base and side walls form a generally cubic structure for supporting plants in pots or containers and providing controlled drainage of water from the potted plants and from the tray to maintain optimum hydration of the plants on the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Meeks
  • Publication number: 20100162623
    Abstract: A device having a tray defining at least one reservoir designed to contain a liquid, a platform, designed to be placed on the tray and to support a growing substrate, the platform including a flat main portion provided with wells having, at the bottom, an orifice communicating with the liquid contained in the tray, and means for carrying liquid in the reservoir, where a plurality of reinforcing walls protrude perpendicularly upwards from the main portion of the platform, where these walls have sufficient height so that, when the platform is placed on the tray, their top edge forms the highest portion of the device, and where the reinforcing walls are distributed on the surface of the platform so as to allow a distribution of the loads applied to this device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: A.B.M. PLASTIC
    Inventor: Bernard Mathy
  • Publication number: 20100162624
    Abstract: A capillary hydration system and method for facilitating the growth of plants are provided. An exemplary system comprises a base having a reservoir for holding nutrient solution, and an insert portion. The insert portion comprises at least one downwardly extending plant receiving depression that is capable of holding a growth substrate. The plant receiving depression has at least one capillary opening such that when the capillary opening is in liquid communication with the nutrient solution in the reservoir, nutrient solution is wicked from the reservoir to the growth substrate by capillary action. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, the capillary hydration system may further comprise cover, including a cover with a supply component for refilling the nutrient solution without removing the insert portion or the cover, and a nutrient supply level indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: GROBAL, LLC
    Inventor: Treg C. Bradley
  • Publication number: 20100139161
    Abstract: A plant container includes a container body having a conduit extending between an inlet connection and an outlet connection. A float valve assembly is in communication with the conduit within the container body for automatically controlling fluid entry into the container body from the conduit. A soil retention element is arranged in the container body above the float valve assembly. A method of using the self-watering plant container includes adding soil to an interior volume of the container body above the soil retention element, planting at least one seed in the soil, and connecting a water supply to an inlet connection of the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Randy L. Porter
  • Publication number: 20100139163
    Abstract: Means introduced for variety of Garden Pots to be Water Self-sufficient for usage privately and as well as in commercial purposes. The invention comprising of an improved garden pot made out of two layers, the inner layer and outer layer, which are about an inch or so apart, hence creating an empty space between them. It is in the space between the two layers would work as reservoir that water would be purred in, and contained. The outer layer is solid, but the inner layer has several needle's tip size holes, through which water would penetrate into the inner layer space that is full of soil, and would keep the soil moist and watered at all times, thereby continuously watering the plant growing in the soil, drop by drop. As an advantage, once the user would fill up the pot's reservoir with water, the plant would be automatically watered for weeks to come, without further and frequent care and check ups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: John Hassan Borazjoni
  • Patent number: 7730666
    Abstract: A double walled plant container wherein the two walls or shells form a space for holding water. The outer wall may include a window for viewing water level. The container includes a combination watering funnel and handle arrangement at the top of the container. The watering funnel protrudes or extends from the outer perimeter of the characteristic shape of the container to allow grip of the container for carrying. Preferably two watering funnel and handle structures are included, one each on opposite sides of the container. The rim arrangement allows for convenient carrying without separating the container components. The bottom of the inner shell includes holes for conducting water from the water reservoir into the soil and may include a fiber wick and soil stop barrier to prevent entry of soil into the space between the two walls and to allow water to conduct by capillary action or otherwise into the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: David Allen Spray
  • Patent number: 7730667
    Abstract: A plant pot (1) which, in use, is adapted to be stacked with one or more similar plant pots, the plant pot comprising: (a) cavity (5) including a water reservoir region (7) and a soil holding region (6) located above the reservoir region (7); (b) separation means (10) adapted to separate the reservoir region (7) from the soil holding region (6); (c) an overflow outlet (8) in the reservoir region (7) adapted to enable excess water to flow out the reservoir region (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: John Rodney Keats
  • Patent number: 7703240
    Abstract: An automatic watering system for a plant growing in a growth medium, wherein the system comprises a water storage reservoir substantially filled with water and an air-tight closure that substantially seals a fill aperture. Water flows out of a reservoir drain opening through a water drain conduit and air in a water feed reservoir escapes through an air return conduit and into the water storage reservoir until a float valve seals the lower end of the air return conduit. Water thereafter flows into a growth medium through water feed apertures until the water level in a water feed reservoir drops below a water drain conduit and air is allowed to escape into the water storage reservoir therethrough. Thereafter the pressure differential between the water storage reservoir and the water feed reservoir is equalized, releasing the float valve to repeat the cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventors: Milton Watson, Chad Collins
  • Publication number: 20100095586
    Abstract: A plant propagation and display panel includes a plant growth substrate housing, a back plate coupled to the plant growth substrate housing, the back plate and the plant growth substrate housing providing an opening for receiving a plant growth substrate and a plant tray coupled to the plant growth substrate housing, the plant tray including a container for receiving a plant plug, the container being at least partly received in the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: ECO INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventor: Chad Sichello
  • Publication number: 20100095588
    Abstract: A planting container body (1) has a bottom wall (3) and side walls (4) forming a planting space (2) and also has a water-holding section for holding planting water supplied to the planting space (2). The water-holding section has a water discharge opening (12) for overflow. In a horizontal position (A) in which the planting space (2) opens upward, the bottom wall (3) and the side walls (4) form a horizontal water-holding section for holding planting water. In a vertical position in which the planting space (2) opens sideways, a vertical water-holding section for holding planting water is formed by the bottom wall (3), side walls (4), and a dam section (8) formed facing the bottom wall (3) on the side wall (4) that is the bottom surface. A water discharge start section of the water discharge opening (12) is located at a position a predetermined distance away from the bottom wall (3) and a predetermined distance away from a side wall (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: Suntory Limited
    Inventor: Masaki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 7690150
    Abstract: A plant container with a pot and a coaster (2) made of plastic, in particular as a flowerpot, whereby the coaster (2) which is closed at the bottom to serve as a water dish is to be attached undetachably via coupling devices to the pot (1) which is provided with holes at the bottom and is designed in the sense of an easy but secure connection of the pot and the coaster in such a manner that the coaster (2) and the pot (1) are interconnected via coupling elements (11, 15) by at least one conically tapering guide face (9, 16) and are mutually engaged by a rotational movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Poeppelmann Holding GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Günther Orschulik
  • Patent number: 7685771
    Abstract: A plant pot system has at least one plant pot with side walls, an open top and a bottom wall for containing planted soil that receives a routine watering through the open top, the plant pot having two parallel rows of a number of through holes aligned circumferentially, each of the through holes being blocked by a removable closure; one or more additional pot members with the same number of through holes at levels corresponding to the through holes of the first plant pot; and at least one water leveling members for fluidly connecting any desired number of laterally disposed plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Man-Young Jung
  • Publication number: 20100064581
    Abstract: An automated plant watering system including an outer container, an inner container spaced from the interior of the outer container to define a water reservoir therebetween. A submersible pump is in communication with the water reservoir and is controlled by a programmable controller so that water will be delivered to growing plants, seeds, etc., not only at predetermined times but upon the soil moisture plant soil dropping to a predetermined level as sensed by a moisture sensor or probe positioned in the soil and operatively connected to the programmable computer. The system is operated by a DC battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Dallas G. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7673418
    Abstract: A horticultural irrigation system comprising a plant growth container. The plant growth container comprises a receptacle for a plant growth medium, a reservoir, a container inlet, a float valve and an outlet means. The container inlet supplies water to the reservoir. The float valve is adapted to close the container inlet when the water in the reservoir reaches a pre-determined level. An outlet means allows the passage of water from the reservoir to the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: City Greening Engineering Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Kam Hoi Wong
  • Publication number: 20100050508
    Abstract: An in-ground planting pot apparatus for facilitating watering and fertilizing a plant having: a frustro-conical portion having a minimum diameter, a maximum diameter opposite the minimum diameter, and an outer surface; a curved lip portion circumscribing most of the maximum diameter and extending outwardly from, and having an outside diameter greater than, the maximum diameter, the curved lip portion starting on the outer surface and terminating at the same plane formed by the maximum diameter; and an elongated tray portion having a tray bottom that is co-planar with the start of the curved lip portion, and a tray rim starting from the tray bottom and terminating at the same plane formed by the maximum diameter and curved lip portion The apparatus can be inserted into soil with the minimum diameter down and a fraction of the frustro-conical portion remaining above ground, a plant may be planted in the middle, and then water and fertilizer dispensed into the frustro-conical, tray, and lip portions which direct
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Everett Colburn
  • Publication number: 20100037517
    Abstract: A plant cultivation apparatus includes a housing with at least one receptacle arranged to receive and support a corresponding number of plants and at least one conduit attached to the housing connecting each of the receptacles with a reservoir such that at least a portion of each conduit is open to the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: CLEV-A-GARDEN PTY LTD
    Inventors: David Alexander James Copping, Christopher Neill Martin, Richard Hardman
  • Patent number: 7654038
    Abstract: A garden planter with integrated irrigation and lighting systems (100) includes a container (101) for holding plants and an irrigation tube (107) for supplying water to the interior of the container (101). A light (213) is positioned above the container (101) for providing illumination. One or more fastening tubes (105) are used for supporting the container (101) and supplying irrigation directly to the container or concealing the irrigating tube (107).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Simmons Specialty Products LLC
    Inventor: Gary D. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20100006015
    Abstract: A watering apparatus comprising a storage container having a tubular section which is closed with an open-cell foam based on an aminoplast, and a method for watering or applying fertilizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Jurith Montag, Hans-Joachim Fries, Alexander Wissemeier, Armin Alteheld, Hans-Jürgen Quadbeck-Seeger
  • Patent number: 7644537
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for unattended watering of plants over an extended period of time utilizing a watering system that regulates a partial vacuum to control the discharge of water to the roots of the plants. A water reservoir is provided having an encapsulated interior cavity and an exterior exposed to ambient air, and having upper and lower ends. The reservoir is located above the root level of a plant to be watered. At least one drain opening is defined in the lower end of the reservoir. The upper end of the reservoir is closed and is provided with an adjustable valve, preferably a pinch valve, and an air conduit, preferably a flexible tube, that passes through the valve and extends between the interior and the exterior of the reservoir. The valve thereby interacts with the conduit to partially obstruct air flow through it, so as to maintain a partial vacuum in the upper end of the reservoir as water drains from the lower end of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: John Hui
  • Publication number: 20090320363
    Abstract: Plant supporting apparatuses designed to hang a planter and plant at a variety of desired locations without lines for external electrical or water supply. Power is provided by solar cells. This construction allows the placement of plants almost anywhere and provides desired routine maintenance automatically. The apparatuses rotate the plant to grow uniformly even though incident light is non-uniform. There are two main assemblies which rotate relative to each other. A pump transfers liquids from a reservoir to a dispensing outlet onto a planter. The pump may be configured to move within the reservoir to stir the water, fertilizer or other liquids being fed to the planter. A planter is also shown which has solar cells and other parts mounted thereon. A control system is used to control operation and ambient light and reservoir liquid level are sensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Darryl Matlen
  • Patent number: 7638445
    Abstract: This invention generally relates to the production of a composite yarn or non-woven strand wherein a core of super absorbent fibers or polymers (SAP's) having a swell factor of approximately 25% and greater are encapsulated by a nonwoven membrane of defined porosity. The membrane is then sealed in a fashion to generally deter or prevent the SAP material from migrating out of the core as water is freely absorbed and desorbed from the composite yarn structure. The strands of yarns or strips of non-woven material are subsequently constructed into an open or unorientated fabric formation. When used as a subterranean fabric, structure or material, the resultant fabric structure retains moisture while permitting normal root growth and allowing excess water to pass through and beneath the fabric while facilitating movement of water from lower levels to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventor: Gilbert Patrick
  • Publication number: 20090313892
    Abstract: A plant-culturing tool comprising a planting container for accommodating a plant, and a water storage container that can accommodate the planting container in the interior of the water storage container and that can store water, a guide mechanism in which the planting container makes sliding contact with the water storage container and is guided along a floating or sinking direction thereof. The guide mechanism is composed of a long guide surface having a long sliding portion, and a short guide surface having a short sliding portion that protrudes against the long guide surface, with the two guide surfaces making slide contact each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Masaki Hashimoto, Katsuro Miyagawa, Masayuki Saito
  • Publication number: 20090313893
    Abstract: A hollow elongated cylinder having a plurality of slots and holes through the side thereof is inserted into the soil of a potted plant. The cylinder is inserted adjacent to the plant stem and down into the soil so that it is proximate to the roots of the potted plant. Water and/or fertilizer poured into the hollow cylinder are introduced directly to the roots of the potted plant. The roots will naturally grow through the apertures in the cylinder to more directly access the fertilizer and/or water. The cylinder can be transferred with the plant and soil to a new pot as the plant grows, with additional cylinders inserted into the new soil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Jonothon M.W. McIntyre
  • Patent number: 7634871
    Abstract: A growing apparatus in which a plant is grown includes a container having a bottom and a surrounding wall member attached to the bottom, and a perforated partition located in the container above the bottom. The container further includes a plurality of holders extending upwardly from the bottom and attached to the surrounding wall. Each holder includes a first portion which vertically engages the perforated partition to hold the partition a predetermined distance above the bottom, and a second portion which horizontally engages the perforated partition to hold the surrounding wall member adjacent the partition. The perforated partition further includes a planar base and a skirt depending from the base, whereby the skirt is engaged by the first portion and the second portion of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Laminations, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank DiPaolo, Matthew Markefka, Clifford Fay
  • Publication number: 20090300984
    Abstract: A self watering planter device and method of watering allowing water to be supplied by means of standard garden water hose and existing water faucet. A plurality of said self watering planters capable of being daisy-chained in a serial configuration to allow a single source of water from a standard water faucet and standard garden water hoses to provide irrigation water to all of said plurality of self watering planters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Jeff Gordon
  • Publication number: 20090293350
    Abstract: A raised bed planter comprising a porous and permeable load-bearing exoskeleton comprised of nonwoven polymer matting and a spray-on polymer coating; a core section comprised of hydrophilic bedding fill material; and a bottom layer that serves as a weed barrier. The planter optionally incorporates multiple bedding levels and/or a wicking system or wicking components. In an alternate embodiment, the exoskeleton is comprised of a layer of outdoor carpet, a layer of fencing material, and a layer of nonwoven polymer matting. The planter optionally comprises one or more wings and a removable greenhouse cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Fountainhead, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce G. Kania, Frank M. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20090293355
    Abstract: A planter (1) which may be easily customized with attachable accessories to match any theme or to fit any decor. The planter (1) includes at least one rod (6) which extends upward from the bottom (2) of the planter (1). The rod (6) may be molded into the planter (1) or removably secured to the bottom (2) of the planter (1). Accessories, such as clocks, sports objects, coat hangers, temperature gauges, etc., are secured on the rod (6) as desired to match any theme or decor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Rick D. Clouston
  • Publication number: 20090288342
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for unattended watering of plants over an extended period of time utilizing a watering system that regulates a partial vacuum to control the discharge of water to the roots of the plants. A water reservoir is provided having an encapsulated interior cavity and an exterior exposed to ambient air, and having upper and lower ends. The reservoir is located above the root level of a plant to be watered. At least one drain opening is defined in the lower end of the reservoir. The upper end of the reservoir is closed and is provided with an adjustable valve, preferably a pinch valve, and an air conduit, preferably a flexible tube, that passes through the valve and extends between the interior and the exterior of the reservoir. The valve thereby interacts with the conduit to partially obstruct air flow through it, so as to maintain a partial vacuum in the upper end of the reservoir as water drains from the lower end of the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: John Hui