Abstract: A tower closing apparatus is provided that is configured to simplify the closing of a multi-piece, hinged hydroponic tower. The hydroponic tower closing apparatus utilizes a collection of static and continuously moving components (e.g., motor driven drive rollers, alignment rollers, tower body alignment rollers, face plate manipulation rollers, face closing rollers, etc.) to close a hydroponic tower as it passes through the apparatus. In particular, as the tower is driven through the closing apparatus, a series of face plate manipulation rollers gradually rotate the face plate(s) relative to the tower body, moving the face plate(s) from a fully open position to a partially closed position. Next a series of face closing rollers continue to rotate the face plate(s) from the partially closed position to the fully closed position, forcing the fasteners to latch the face plate(s) into position.

Abstract: A tower opening apparatus is provided that is configured to simplify the opening of a multi-piece, hinged, hydroponic tower. The hydroponic tower opening apparatus utilizes a collection of static and continuously moving components (e.g., motor driven drive rollers, alignment rollers, stationary wedges, longitudinal ramps, etc.) to open a hydroponic tower as it passes through the apparatus. In particular, as the tower is driven through the opening apparatus, the fastener(s) holding the face plate(s) to the tower body is released by a wedge(s). After the fastener(s) is released, the face plate(s) is partially rotated about the tower body, thereby partially opening the tower cavity(s). Next a longitudinal ramp(s) continues to rotate the face plate(s) relative to the tower body, moving the face plate(s) to a fully open position.

Abstract: A coupling comprises an inner body having an interior bore configured to receive a tube or the like. A collar is arranged to be axially received about the inner body. The collar being configured such that when it is forced onto the inner body, it applies a circumferential compressive force to deform the body inwardly. At least one interior annular projection defines one or more annular teeth arranged such that when a tube is received in the bore and the inner body is inwardly deformed by the collar, the one or more annular teeth engage the tube to seal with it. The inner surface of the bore comprises a plurality of circumferentially arranged projections defining a series of circumferentially spaced teeth axially spaced from the at least one annular protuberance and configured to engage the tube following compression of the inner body by the collar to prevent relative rotation between the tube and the inner body.

Abstract: A coupling for attaching to art end of a tube, pipe, conduit or other round solid or hollow section comprises an inner body section (A) having an interior bore (7) passing through at least a portion thereof configured to receive a tube or the like. A collar (B) is arranged to be axially received about the inner body (A), the inner body (A) and the collar (B) being configured such that when the collar (B) is forced onto the inner body (A). It applies a circumferential compressive force to deform the body (A) Inwardly. At least one interior annular projection (5) is provided extending into the bore (7) from the inner surface of the inner body section (A). The at least one annular projection (5) defines in an axial direction one or more annular teeth arranged such that, in use, when a tube or the like is received in the bore (7) and the inner body (A) is inwardly deformed by the collar (8), the one or more annular teeth (5) engage the tube or the like to seal with it.

Abstract: A valve system for use in an inflatable bladder having two opposing layers and a bladder interior disposed between the two layers, the valve system includes (i) an aperture disposed at a position on one layer for filling and deflating the bladder interior,