Abstract: A disk cleaning apparatus includes an enclosed housing with a door mounted on the forward wall of the housing operable between open and closed positions. In the preferred embodiment, the door is mounted so as to move away from the front wall of the housing, generally parallel thereto, between opened and closed positions. The housing includes an apparatus for spraying fluid on disks located within a disk retaining cradle is powered so as to rotate the disks during the spraying process. A motor mounted within the housing is connected through a drive train in the door to the disk retaining cradle, so as to rotate the cradle. A drive coupler has a forward half operably mounted in the door and connected to the drive train, and a second half operably mounted in the housing connected to the motor, such that rotational energy from the motor will be transmitted through the drive coupler and drive train to the disk retaining cradle when the door is in a closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning disks includes an enclosed housing with an operable door therein adapted to permit access to the interior of the housing. A rack is removably mounted within the housing, and will retain a plurality of disks in parallel spaced-apart relation within a disk-retaining cradle within the housing. The disk-retaining cradle is operably mounted so as to rotate about an axis passing through the centers of all of the disks. A spray bar projects within the housing and through all of the central openings in each of the disks, and has a plurality of spray nozzles therein to spray fluid radially outwardly therefrom to cover all of the disks, as they rotate in the cradle. A method for cleaning disks includes the initial step of providing a housing with an operable door and a cradle therein adapted to rotate a plurality of disks. The disks to be cleaned are then loaded in a rack which retains the disks in parallel spaced-apart orientation, which is loaded in the cradle within the housing.

Abstract: A hydroponic gardening system includes an apparatus for supporting the growth of selected plants, which apparatus includes a housing having a lower-level nutrient tank and a plant support tray with a dual-level aeration chamber therein. Seed germination cubes are positioned on the tray adjacent the aeration chambers, and a uniquely designed capillary mat overlies the floor in both levels of the aeration chamber and underneath the seed germination cubes. End portions of the capillary mat extend down into the nutrient tank. Nutrient is conducted from the tank through the capillary mat to the plant root system which develops and grows in the aeration chambers. While the root system is nourished and moistened by the capillary flow of nutrient fluids from the nutrient tank into the aeration chamber, the structure of the dual-level aeration chamber is such that the roots are maintained in an environment of freely circulating air and conditions of 100 percent humidity.