Abstract: This invention provides a system and methods for providing liquid to a plant or a seed that can germinate into a plant. The system includes: a liquid delivery device; an actuator; a vessel; and a vessel support; wherein the actuator is operable to cause the liquid delivery device to deliver the liquid to the plant or seed only when the vessel is brought into proximity with the vessel support.

Abstract: Wax compositions that have a high triacylglycerol content are provided. The wax compositions can be used to produce candle and are particularly useful in the production of container candles. The wax compositions commonly have a melting point of about 50° C. to 57° C. and include a triacylglycerol component, which has a fatty acid composition including about 14 to 25 wt. % 16:0 fatty acid.

Abstract: A soilless garden includes a chamber including a sealed lower portion for storing liquid nutrient solution, and an upper portion including a support structure; soilless growth medium supported by the support structure and adapted to support at least one plant having roots; a removable germination cap located above the soilless growth medium; a conduit having a first end located substantially adjacent to the soilless growth medium, and a second end opposite to the first end; and a pump in the chamber, including an input for receiving the liquid nutrient solution from the lower portion of the chamber, and an output to deliver liquid nutrient solution through the conduit into the soilless growth medium. The support structure includes an opening directed toward the lower portion of the chamber for the liquid nutrient solution to drip from the roots of the at least one plant into the lower portion of the chamber.

Abstract: This invention provides adaptive growth technology, hydroponic and aeroponic gardens with adaptive growth technology, and methods for growing a plant or germinating a seed in with adaptive growth technology. An apparatus of this invention includes a vessel, a growing surface, a light source, a liquid measurement device, a controller in communication with the measurement device and a time that calculate the rate of consumption of the liquid in the vessel by seeds or plants and that adjust the liquid delivery rate, the liquid quality, the nutrient delivery rate, the nutrient quality, the photoradiation delivery rate, and/or the photoradiation quality based on the calculated rate of liquid usage. In an embodiment, the steps are performed automatically without human intervention.

Abstract: A gardening system includes a modular seed cartridge including a rigid, cup-shaped receptacle including an upper portion having an outer rim, a soilless growth medium located in the rigid, cup-shaped receptacle, and at least one seed in contact with the soilless growth medium. The gardening system also includes an aeroponic or hydroponic garden including a chamber including a lower portion for storing a liquid nutrient solution, a cover located above the chamber, the cover including a plant opening adapted to removably support the modular seed cartridge by the outer rim, and a pump located in the chamber and adapted to circulate the liquid nutrient solution from the lower portion of the chamber to the modular seed cartridge supported by the plant opening.

Abstract: Food components including a triacylglycerol component and a bulking agent are provided. The triacylglycerol component typically has a melting point of about 100 to 120° F. and constitutes about 20 to 35 wt. % of the food components. The food component can be formed by heating a composition which includes the triacylglycerol component and bulking agent under conditions sufficient to form an outer layer having certain desired physical characteristics. Food products incorporating the food components are also provided.

Abstract: Wax compositions that have a high triacylglycerol content are provided. The wax compositions can be used to produce candle and are particularly useful in the production of container candles. The wax compositions commonly have a melting point of about 50° C. to 57° C. and include a triacylglycerol component which has a fatty acid composition including about 14 to 25 wt. % 16:0 fatty acid; about 20 to 30 wt. % 18:0 fatty acid; and about 45 to 60 wt. % 18:1 fatty acid. Methods of producing candles from a triacylglycerol-based wax and kits, which include the triacylglycerol-based wax, are also provided.

Abstract: An aeroponic growing apparatus is provided which comprises a novel low pressure liquid nutrient delivery system generated by centrifugal force utilizing a rotating cylinder device. The rotating cylinder device distributes liquid nutrient solution to the roots of plants by use of centrifugal force, thereby eliminating the need for a high pressure pump and nozzles. The geometrical shape of the enclosed root growth chamber is such that it allows for fractionated droplets to ricochet in multiple random directions thus completely surrounding the plant roots in 360° in any plane.

Abstract: Food components including a triacylglycerol component and a bulking agent are provided. The triacylglycerol component typically has a melting point of about 100 to 120° F. and constitutes about 20 to 35 wt. % of the food components. The food component can be formed by heating a composition which includes the triacylglycerol component and bulking agent under conditions sufficient to form an outer layer having certain desired physical characteristics. Food products incorporating the food components are also provided.

Abstract: An aeroponic growing apparatus is provided which comprises a novel low pressure liquid nutrient delivery system generated by centrifugal force utilizing a rotating cylinder device. The rotating cylinder device distributes liquid nutrient solution to the roots of plants by use of centrifugal force, thereby eliminating the need for a high pressure pump and nozzles. The geometrical shape of the enclosed root growth chamber is such that it allows for fractionated droplets to ricochet in multiple random directions thus completely surrounding the plant roots in 360° in any plane.

Abstract: Food compositions including a triacylglycerol component and a bulking agent are provided. The triacylglycerol component typically forms about 20 to 35 wt. % of the food composition. The triacylglycerol component can be formed by combining a lauric triacylglycerol with a saturated 16/18 triacylglycerol. The triacylglycerol component can be characterized by its fatty acid composition, which typically includes at least about 30 wt. % lauric acid and at least about 10 wt. % total of palmitic acid and stearic acid. Methods for making the food compositions and food products incorporating the food compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Wax compositions that have a high triacylglycerol content are provided. The wax compositions can be used to produce candle and are particularly useful in the production of container candles. The wax compositions commonly have a melting point of about 50° C. to 57° C. and include a triacylglycerol component which has a fatty acid composition including about 14 to 25 wt. % 16:0 fatty acid; about 20 to 30 wt. % 18:0 fatty acid; and about 45 to 60 wt. % 18:1 fatty acid. Methods of producing candles from a triacylglycerol-based wax and kits, which include the triacylglycerol-based wax, are also provided.

Abstract: Nut-like food compositions including a triacylglycerol component and a bulking agent are provided. The triacylglycerol component typically forms about 20 to 35 wt. % of the nut-like food composition. The triacylglycerol component can be formed by combining a lauric triacylglycerol with a saturated 16/18 triacylglycerol. The triacylglycerol component can be characterized by its fatty acid composition, which typically includes at least about 30 wt. % lauric acid and at least about 10 wt. % total of palmitic acid and stearic acid. Methods for making the nut-like food compositions and food products incorporating the nut-like food compositions are also provided.