Irrigator Patents (Class 47/79)
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Publication number: 20110036008Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2008Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicant: SUNTORY HOLDINGS LIMITEDInventors: Masaki Hashimoto, Hironobu Ota, Norio Kanayama
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Publication number: 20110016782Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Inventor: Scott Harder
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Publication number: 20110016784Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Inventor: Steve M. Taber
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Publication number: 20110005131Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2008Publication date: January 13, 2011Applicant: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNOInventors: Jan J. Smits, Franciscus Johannes Ignatius van Maanen, Leonardus Antonius Maria Brouwers
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Publication number: 20110000131Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2010Publication date: January 6, 2011Inventors: Tien-Yin CHAN, Chin-Sheng Lee, Zhe-Yong Wu
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Patent number: 7861459Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 19, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: General Hydroponics, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence L. Brooke, Henry Rie
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Publication number: 20100325953Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventor: Hsiao-An Chang
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Publication number: 20100325952Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventors: James Luke Young, Andrew Richard Camp
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Patent number: 7856755Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 12, 2008Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Inventor: Donald L. Riesterer
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Publication number: 20100319251Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2009Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventor: Jui-Chang Su
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Publication number: 20100307057Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2008Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: SUNTORY HOLDINGS LIMITEDInventors: Masaki Hashimoto, Yoshiro Miyake
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Patent number: 7832146Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 6, 2008Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Inventor: Jeff Gordon
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Publication number: 20100275513Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2007Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventor: Paulo Andre De Miranda Macdowell
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Patent number: 7823326Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 5, 2009Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Inventor: John Hui
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Patent number: 7810278Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 5, 2009Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Inventor: John Hui
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Patent number: 7809475Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 13, 2007Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: FW Enviro, LLCInventor: Craig L. Kaprielian
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Publication number: 20100236142Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2010Publication date: September 23, 2010Inventor: Michael S. Drewry
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Patent number: 7788850Abstract: 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 directType: GrantFiled: March 24, 2009Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Inventor: Everett Colburn
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Publication number: 20100212225Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2009Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventor: Wilson A. Felknor
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Patent number: 7770324Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 8, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Inventor: James Hogan
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Publication number: 20100192463Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2008Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventor: Donald J. Stewart
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Publication number: 20100192460Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventors: DAVID D. HART, Kenneth Sheppard, Ernie Abdon
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Publication number: 20100175319Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2009Publication date: July 15, 2010Inventor: Michael Meeks
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Publication number: 20100162623Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2008Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: A.B.M. PLASTICInventor: Bernard Mathy
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Publication number: 20100162624Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2010Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: GROBAL, LLCInventor: Treg C. Bradley
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Publication number: 20100139161Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2009Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventor: Randy L. Porter
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Publication number: 20100139163Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2008Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventor: John Hassan Borazjoni
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Patent number: 7730666Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Inventor: David Allen Spray
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Patent number: 7730667Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 13, 2004Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Inventor: John Rodney Keats
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Patent number: 7703240Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Inventors: Milton Watson, Chad Collins
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Publication number: 20100095586Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2009Publication date: April 22, 2010Applicant: ECO INNOVATIONS INC.Inventor: Chad Sichello
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Publication number: 20100095588Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2007Publication date: April 22, 2010Applicant: Suntory LimitedInventor: Masaki Hashimoto
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Patent number: 7690150Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 18, 2003Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Poeppelmann Holding GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Günther Orschulik
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Patent number: 7685771Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 7, 2007Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Inventor: Man-Young Jung
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Publication number: 20100064581Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2008Publication date: March 18, 2010Inventor: Dallas G. Johnson
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Patent number: 7673418Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 25, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: City Greening Engineering Co. Ltd.Inventor: Kam Hoi Wong
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Publication number: 20100050508Abstract: 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 directType: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventor: Everett Colburn
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Publication number: 20100037517Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2008Publication date: February 18, 2010Applicant: CLEV-A-GARDEN PTY LTDInventors: David Alexander James Copping, Christopher Neill Martin, Richard Hardman
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Patent number: 7654038Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 19, 2006Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Simmons Specialty Products LLCInventor: Gary D. Simmons
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Publication number: 20100006015Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2008Publication date: January 14, 2010Applicant: BASF SEInventors: Jurith Montag, Hans-Joachim Fries, Alexander Wissemeier, Armin Alteheld, Hans-Jürgen Quadbeck-Seeger
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Patent number: 7644537Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 18, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Inventor: John Hui
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Publication number: 20090320363Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2008Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventor: Darryl Matlen
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Patent number: 7638445Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 11, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Inventor: Gilbert Patrick
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Publication number: 20090313892Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2006Publication date: December 24, 2009Inventors: Masaki Hashimoto, Katsuro Miyagawa, Masayuki Saito
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Publication number: 20090313893Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2008Publication date: December 24, 2009Inventor: Jonothon M.W. McIntyre
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Patent number: 7634871Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 26, 2007Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Laminations, Inc.Inventors: Frank DiPaolo, Matthew Markefka, Clifford Fay
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Publication number: 20090300984Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2008Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventor: Jeff Gordon
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Publication number: 20090293350Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: Fountainhead, LLCInventors: Bruce G. Kania, Frank M. Stewart
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Publication number: 20090293355Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2008Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventor: Rick D. Clouston
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Publication number: 20090288342Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2009Publication date: November 26, 2009Inventor: John Hui