Abstract: A countertop gardening appliance can include a base sized and dimensioned to fit on a countertop, a vessel removably supported by the base, the vessel defining a closed lower portion for storing a liquid, and an open upper portion, a gas diffuser located in the vessel, a gas pump located within the base, a conduit connecting the gas pump to the gas diffuser, a one-way valve in fluid communication with the conduit, a growing surface covering the open upper portion of the vessel, the growing surface including a receptacle adapted to receive a seed cartridge, a liquid level gauge indicating a level of the liquid in the vessel, a hood supported above the growing surface by a support arm connected to the base, the hood including an artificial light source, and a controller located within the base, the controller adapted to activate the artificial light source and the gas pump on predetermined time cycles.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for use with a camera is described. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus comprises one or more light emitting diodes and one or more small batteries contained in a housing. A cylindrical piece extends from one side of the housing and is adapted to removeably secure the apparatus in a tripod mount on the camera. The apparatus is lightweight and compact and provides continuous illumination to a scene (opposed to the momentary illumination of a camera flash) to facilitate the recording of video.