Porous Support Patents (Class 47/64)
  • Patent number: 11793126
    Abstract: A synthetic soil substrate system has a plurality of synthetic soil substrate layers that are individually designed to promote plant growth as the roots grow into the layer and as a function of the growth stage. The synthetic soil substrate layers may be planar or may be concentrically arranged with a first synthetic soil substrate ring layer being configured inside of a second synthetic soil substrate ring layer. A synthetic soil substrate has pores that are configured for plant growth and retention and/or deliver of water and growth additives. The average pore size of a first synthetic soil substrate layer may be substantially different from the average pore size of an adjacent synthetic soil substrate layer. Also, the pore structure or shape of the pores may be different between synthetic soil substrate layers, The synthetic soil substrate may have an integral growth additive retained in the pores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Inventor: Jay Daniel Sexton
  • Patent number: 11452266
    Abstract: The present technology is generally directed to modular grow boxes for growing microgreens and other plants. The modular grow boxes generally include a first modular element having a plate and one or more walls extending therefrom to form a chamber, a second modular element having a platform for supporting a growth medium, and a third modular element that can act as a cover and/or base. The first, second, and third modular elements can be assembled in a first configuration that provides a generally enclosed area for growing plants during a germination phase. The first, second, and third modular elements can also be assembled in a second configuration that provides a partially exposed area for growing plants during a post-germination phase. In some embodiments, the modular grow boxes provide a self-contained, self-watering apparatus that is expected to simplify the process of growing microgreens and other plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Inventor: Adam Ramirez
  • Patent number: 11337377
    Abstract: A man-made vitreous fibre (MMVF) plant growth substrate is provided. The substrate has properties including a volume of 3 to 20 litres, two layers of differing density, and the use of an organic binder selected from formaldehyde free binders. This is found to provide a substrate which allows excellent control of the water and/or nutrient contents within the substrate when used for plant growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: ROCKWOOL INTERNATIONAL A/S
    Inventors: Daan Louis De Kubber, Frank Hendrikus Peter Janssen
  • Patent number: 11206772
    Abstract: A grow media includes a layered grow media including a mechanical support structure layer and a wicking structure layer. The mechanical support structure layer and the wicking structure layer are coupled together in a vertical configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Inventor: Shane McKenna
  • Patent number: 11178827
    Abstract: A synthetic growing media, such as for a hydroponic growing system, includes a plastic body having multiple legs pointing in different directions. One or more of the legs has a bulbous tip. A synthetic growing medium comprising an aggregate of synthetic growing media and hydroponic system for plant cultivation are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Hydra Unlimited, LLC
    Inventors: Mark W. Herrema, Timothy J. Miller
  • Patent number: 11051463
    Abstract: A plant growing system includes a base component; and a container disposed on top of the base component. The container includes a container body having a floor surface at a lower end, and a wall having a lower edge coupled to the floor surface and extending upward from the perimeter of the floor surface to an upper edge. A drainage port is disposed through the wall near the lower edge of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Inventor: John Novoselac
  • Patent number: 10993380
    Abstract: A light projector assembly for irradiating the interior of a bin when the bin is in a predetermined position, the bin having walls and a ceiling. A bin interior may include a plant-growing zone proximate a bottom of the bin. The walls may include one or more light-transmissive windows above the plant-growing zone. The light projector assembly may comprise a light projector and a support structure. A light projector may be supported outside of the bin position and proximate to and spaced from one of the one or more windows when the bin assembly is in the predetermined position. The light projector may be configured to project light upwardly through the one window and toward the ceiling. A support structure may support the light projector. The support structure may be spaced from a vertical extension of the predetermined position, unobstructive of vertical access to the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: XtremeLUX Corporation
    Inventor: Edward Stoneham
  • Patent number: 10973175
    Abstract: A plant surface structure includes an array of plastic base elements, each base element having a deck carried by a series of pillar elements. The deck is provided with at least a number of the pillar elements having an open top end in the deck. A membrane is placed over the deck and is provided with slits or cut-outs or water permeable elements, such that they open into at least some of the open top ends of the pillar elements. A growing medium is provided on the membrane and a growing medium is provided in the pillar elements, the growing medium in the pillar elements preferably being in fluid contact with the growing medium on the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: AIRBORNE INTERNATIONAL B.V.
    Inventors: Carolus Hermanus van Raam, Andrew Bryan Shuttleworth, Paul David Culleton
  • Patent number: 10716270
    Abstract: System and methods for monitoring the growth of an aquatic plant culture and detecting real-time characteristics associated with the aquatic plant culture aquatic plants. The systems and methods may include a control unit configured to perform an analysis of at least one image of an aquatic plant culture. The analysis may include processing at least one collected image to determine at least one physical characteristic or state of an aquatic plant culture. Systems and methods for distributing aquatic plant cultures are also provided. The distribution systems and methods may track and control the distribution of an aquatic plant culture based on information received from various sources. Systems and methods for growing and harvesting aquatic plants in a controlled and compact environment are also provided. The systems may include a bioreactor having a plurality of vertically stacked modules designed to contain the aquatic plants and a liquid growth medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: GreenOnxy LTD
    Inventors: Tsipi Shoham, Benjamin Shoham
  • Patent number: 10631479
    Abstract: A method of improving the growth of plants belonging to the family Cannabaceae sensu stricto by providing a plant nutrient solution about the plant roots and a gas mixture circulating about the plant shoot; by selecting the gas mixture and plant nutrient solution temperature independently of the other; and providing a plant nutrient solution to gas mixture temperature differential of approximately 0° F. or of at least approximately 15° F. during different phases of plant development, in order to change the plant development to improve a desired plant organ for industrial, scientific, and medical purposes. Infection of plants by Pythium, Fusarium, Verticillium, and Rizoctonia are treated or prevented by selecting a gas mixture temperature that is approximately 65 to 85° F. and a plant nutrient solution temperature that is approximately 35 to 65° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventor: Charles E. Ankner
  • Patent number: 10485186
    Abstract: A growing medium for a plant production apparatus utilized in greenhouse crop production is provided. The growing medium comprises a fibrous, non-woven matrix media material wherein the media material is constructed from a plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: University of Wyoming
    Inventor: Nathaniel R. Storey
  • Patent number: 10278343
    Abstract: A system and method for a hydroponics farm comprising a light source, a container filled with a liquid medium, a plate support positioned above the container comprising a foam support, wherein the foam support supports a plant at a stem portion. The foam supports may allow ease of transfer of the plants among a plurality of plate supports. The system and method may comprise exposing an upper portion of a plant root to ambient air while a tip of the root is in contact with the liquid medium to obtain nutrients. The system and method may also comprise periodically raising the level of the liquid medium, spreading a plant density, and oscillating the plant to promote growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Bras Avancer LLC
    Inventors: Masaru Nakajima, Taro Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 10149443
    Abstract: System and methods for monitoring the growth of an aquatic plant culture and detecting real-time characteristics associated with the aquatic plant culture aquatic plants. The systems and methods may include a control unit configured to perform an analysis of at least one image of an aquatic plant culture. The analysis may include processing at least one collected image to determine at least one physical characteristic or state of an aquatic plant culture. Systems and methods for distributing aquatic plant cultures are also provided. The distribution systems and methods may track and control the distribution of an aquatic plant culture based on information received from various sources. Systems and methods for growing and harvesting aquatic plants in a controlled and compact environment are also provided. The systems may include a bioreactor having a plurality of vertically stacked modules designed to contain the aquatic plants and a liquid growth medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: GreenOnyx LTD
    Inventors: Tsipi Shoham, Benjamin Shoham
  • Patent number: 10004187
    Abstract: The hydroponic growing system may include a gutter assembly configured to manage flow of a liquid solution to one or more components of the hydroponic growing system. Further, the hydroponic growing system may include at least one growing trough movably engaged to the gutter assembly and configured to hold one or more plants. Moreover, the hydroponic growing system may include an automation assembly movably engaged with the at least one growing trough and configured to move the at least one trough from a first position on the gutter assembly to a second position on the gutter assembly via one or more engagement devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Inventor: Johannes Cornelious Van Wingerden
  • Patent number: 9901043
    Abstract: An agricultural water retention system including a subsurface water retention barrier positioned in soil below a root zone of one or more plants; wherein the subsurface water retention barrier consists of a plurality of hydrophobic beads layered in a loosely packed manner; and wherein the subsurface water retention barrier is air permeable. Optionally, there is also included a surface evaporation barrier positioned proximate a surface of the soil, such that the surface evaporation barrier includes at least one layer of hydrophobic beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas Gradek
  • Patent number: 9807950
    Abstract: Embodiments of a hydroponic growing system include raft segments that can be reversibly attached together to form a raft. Rafts can have one or more plant holes to support a plant body, and one or more thermal chimneys to provide for gas transport from underneath the raft to the upper surface, to control temperature and humidity of the plant. Additional embodiments include wireless sensors that may or may not be part of a raft, and a growing environment control system that can receive data from one or more sensors of environmental conditions of a plant and in other embodiments, can detect discrepancies between the actual environmental conditions and desired conditions. In still further embodiments, a growing environment control system can automatically adjust an actuator to return an environmental condition to a desired state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: SUNCREST, USA, INC.
    Inventor: James P. Day
  • Patent number: 9795089
    Abstract: A system for the cultivation of plants, including: a cultivation table, in which the plants to be cultivated have been placed at least for the time of the growing stage; growing substrates in which the seeds of the plant are sown and which are placed at the initial end of the cultivation table for germination; and elongated troughs which hold the growing substrates in which troughs also the seeds and seedlings of the plant as well as the grown plants are placed during both said germination and said growing stage. In the method for cultivation of plants in a greenhouse, a growing substrate for the cultivation of plants is placed in an elongated trough, and seeds of a plant are sown in said growing substrate placed in the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: GREEN AUTOMATION EXPORT OY
    Inventors: Juhana Kantola, Tero Rapila, Timo Rapila
  • Patent number: 9591815
    Abstract: A plant cultivation device includes a plurality of boxes, a connection unit, and an end section unit. Each box is provided in an inner space thereof with a cultivation chamber and a light source housing chamber. The plurality of boxes are arranged in a line. The connection unit mutually connects two adjacent boxes. The end section unit is mounted to an end section of a box which is arranged in an end of the line. The end section of the box is unconnected to the connection unit. Each box includes a ventilation opening for ventilating the cultivation chamber, and a ventilation port for air cooling the light source housing chamber. Each of the connection unit and the end section unit includes a first ventilation passage through which air flows into the ventilation opening, and a second ventilation passage through which air flows into the ventilation port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Fujiyama, Shinya Hirota
  • Patent number: 9516821
    Abstract: A self-contained, low-maintenance planter insert assembly used indoors or outdoors in planters and other containers to provide prolonged self-watering of plants in a tray supported by its fluid-containing base member. A fill-tube and handle combination upwardly-depending from the tray helps lift and position a bottom perimeter notch against an interior rim in the base member for stable but readily-separable connection between them. Plant roots may be in growth/support medium distributed directly into the tray, or in drainable pots. Fluid-permeable material under the support medium allows surplus rainwater to refill the base member, and a wicking member or members extend from the base member to the tray distributing fluid upwardly to plant roots. No connections for power or water are needed for insert assembly function, and its tray has detachable rings for height-adjustment. Applications include, but are not limited to, residential and commercial use, including hotels, convention centers, malls, and schools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: WaterWell Planters, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Conrad, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9485924
    Abstract: A planting apparatus and related methods and systems are disclosed. The planting apparatus includes a first container holding a quantity of liquid. A second container is positioned above the first container, the second container having a hole positioned in a lower portion thereof. A filter container is positioned on the second container, the filter container having at least one of: a seed and a plant. A wicking material is positioned between the filter container and the second container, through the hole in the lower portion of the second container, and into the first container, wherein the wicking material is in contact with the quantity of liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventor: Brenda B. Frye
  • Patent number: 9433159
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydroponic system, which comprises at least a hydroponic tank and at least a level adjustment tank. The hydroponic tank and the level adjustment tank are respectively provided with at least a carrier for carrying or growing plants and at least a float. Each carrier and float is linked by a linkage mechanism. The summed fluid level of the level adjustment tank is much smaller than that of the hydroponic tank, so by filling or discharging a small amount of an adjustment solution in or out of the level adjustment tank, the height of the float in the level adjustment tank can be altered with the elevation of the fluid level; as such, the level adjustment tank can greatly save the required water amount and shorten the operation time of a water pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: Chih-Cheng Kao
  • Patent number: 9149005
    Abstract: A plant growth system is provided in which an irrigation device provides water and/or nutrients to a plant growth substrate. The plant growth substrate comprises an MMVF slab and a single MMVF block on a first surface of the MMVF slab. The MMVF slab comprises a drain hole which is disposed at one end of the surface, and the irrigation device provides water and/or nutrients to the substrate at a position more than 50% of the length of the slab away from the drain hole. This improves the control of water an nutrients in the slab as a whole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: ROCKWOOL INTERNATIONAL A/S
    Inventor: Frank Hendrikus Peter Janssen
  • Publication number: 20140259909
    Abstract: A growth substrate for plants including polylactic acid, wherein the polylactic acid is particulate polylactic acid foam. A method for preparing a growth substrate for plants including polylactic acid foam, the method including providing particulate expandable polylactic acid and exposing the particulate expandable polylactic acid to predetermined temperature and pressure conditions to obtain particulate polylactic acid foam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Synbra Technology B.V.
    Inventors: Jan Noordegraaf, Peter De Bruijn, Josephus Petrus Maria De Jong, Karin Molenveld, Kenneth Van Den Hoonaard, Ton Baltissen
  • Publication number: 20140237896
    Abstract: A foamed glass plant growth support structure, including a foamed glass substrate and a plurality of interconnected pores distributed throughout the substrate. The substrate is characterized by a porosity of at least about 65 percent. The pore size is substantially between about 0.2 and about 2 millimeters and the substrate is sufficiently chemically stable such that water filling the plurality of interconnected pores experiences a pH shift of less than 0.5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventor: Don Gray
  • Publication number: 20140151293
    Abstract: Contaminating material is extracted from a body of water by providing a floating bed on which plants such as Cat Tails can be grown with their roots hanging into the body of water over an area where extraction of contaminating material from the body of water is required, growing the plants to take up the contaminating material from the body of water and harvesting the upstanding plant mass by moving the bed to a harvesting machine which cuts away the plant mass leaving at least part of the root mass to continue growing into a new season. The bed can be returned to a location for the next season.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Francis Curry
  • Patent number: 8336254
    Abstract: A molded body for improving the cultivating conditions of plants includes at least one tapering projection. The molded body is disposed such that the projection extends into a plant substrate from the bottom. The projection is a highly porous material for providing an exchange of water by capillary forces and/or air, between the interior and the area surrounding the projection. The molded body comprises a depression provided opposite the projection and serving as a water reservoir that is spaced apart from the plant substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: IUP Institut fur Umweltpflege AG
    Inventor: Gerhard Baumann
  • Publication number: 20120297675
    Abstract: A plant cultivation device and feed-water control method, in which a detected moisture amount to start watering and a water amount to be used per watering are easily determined, includes a plant cultivation container for pooling plant cultivation water; a water-absorbing plant cultivation bed material; a feed-water device for supplying the plant cultivation water to the plant cultivation container; a first moisture sensor for detecting moisture around an immersed part of the plant cultivation bed material; a second moisture sensor for detecting moisture around a growth part of the plant cultivation bed material where a root of a plant is received; and a controller for supplying water when values detected by both of the first and second moisture sensors are below respective reference values, and for stopping water supply when a value detected by either the first or second moisture sensor is above the corresponding reference value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: SUNTORY HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: Masaki Hashimoto, Makoto Nomachi
  • Patent number: 8011134
    Abstract: A method of creating a hydroponic growing medium. The method includes retrieving polyurethane constituents and mixing the polyurethane constituents in a shear spray mix, creating a resultant foam. Thereafter the resultant foam is placed in a form to cure and a forced heated air is convected in a post-processing step, whereby the hot air convected upon the resultant foam causes additional cracks throughout cell walls within the resultant foam. These fissure cracks allow for a wicking action to occur in the foam, making the material suitable for a hydroponic growing medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: David Koetsch
  • Publication number: 20110197504
    Abstract: Soil-free living roof and wall systems comprising a living layer of Bryophytes, Lichen, And Vascular Epiphytes (BLAVE) on the surface of a thin, light-weight, flexible, fire-resistant mat of mineral wool having a density in the range of about 6-12 lbs/cu ft and thickness in the range of about ?? to about ¾?. Mats are provided in modular units on the order of 2?×4?; no irrigation or growth medium is used. The mats are adhered to a roof or wall with adhesive or mastic, or may be secured with fasteners. In the preferred embodiment, modular units include flexible mineral wool mats over a base sheet of non-woven plastic fibers, on the order of from 2-4 mm thick, and a wide-mesh plastic netting over the BLAVE layer, sewn through to the base layer. Methods of mat module manufacture, innoculant mix production, installation and cultivation/propagation of BLAVE are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Roy T. Hellwig
  • Patent number: 7972840
    Abstract: There are provided an organism-culture apparatus in which a pooled culture medium and a culturing tissue is not directly contacted, which comprises a culture medium, and a microporous body having the water-absorbing ability, a part of which is immersed in the culture medium, or an intervening body connected to the microporous body which can supply the culture medium to the microporous body by contact between a part of the intervening body and the culture medium, wherein the culture medium is transferred upwardly via communicating pores in the interior of the microporous body to supply the culture medium to an organism tissue or an organism cell placed on a surface of the microporous body, whereby, the organism tissue or the organism cell is cultured, as well as a method of culturing an organism using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Phytoculture Control Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryou Hasegawa, Daisuke Suzumura
  • Patent number: 7941970
    Abstract: A floating island comprising a combination-cell thermoplastic foam. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a floating island comprising: an island body comprising at least a first portion that comprises a combination-cell thermoplastic foam and having a cavity; and a bedding material that is disposed in said cavity; wherein said combination-cell thermoplastic foam is buoyant in water and permeable to gas and water. In another embodiment, the invention is a floating island comprising: an island body comprising a first matrix layer, a second matrix layer and a third matrix layer; and a gas-trapping insert that is disposed between two of said layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Fountainhead LLC
    Inventors: Bruce G. Kania, Frank M. Stewart
  • Patent number: 7918186
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of various grass-growing devices. In one nonlimiting embodiment, for example, a device for growing grass in a container that provides water to a household pet is disclosed. The device includes a basket that is configured for insertion into the container. The basket comprises one or more apertures that allow for fluid movement through the basket. The device further includes a seed-holding unit. The seed-holding unit of this embodiment comprises a housing in which one or more grass seeds can be placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Veterinary Ventures, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Michael Rowe, John Michael Lipscomb
  • Patent number: 7748137
    Abstract: A method of drying comprises placing a moist material inside a substantially enclosed solar greenhouse. The greenhouse comprises at least one light transmission roof and/or wall panel that is substantially transparent to solar radiation, but resistant to convective and conductive heat transfer. The interior temperature and humidity of the greenhouse are maintained within their pre-determined ranges while the interior moisture of the greenhouse is effectively reduced to allow a controlled drying of the material. A solar greenhouse for the drying process is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Yin Wang
  • Publication number: 20100154300
    Abstract: A hydroponics plant growing assembly (10) that is comprised of a plant-root expansion structure (12), a moisture retaining upper pad (26), a moisture retaining lower pad (48), a structure and pads sleeve (62) and a structure and pads retaining enclosure (72). The upper and lower pads (26,48) are dimensioned to be placed respectively over and under the structure (12). The sleeve (62) is dimensioned to be placed over the structure and the pads to prevent mineralized water that is poured into the upper pad (26) from spilling over the sides of the upper pad (26) and the structure (12). The enclosure (72) includes a plurality of trays (76) that are each dimensioned to receive and secure the expansion structure (12) with the attached upper and lower pads (26,48).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: John C. Wiersma
  • Patent number: 7739833
    Abstract: A foamed glass plant growth support structure, including a foamed glass substrate and a plurality of interconnected pores distributed throughout the substrate. The substrate is characterized by a porosity of at least about 80 percent. The pore size is substantially between about 0.2 and about 5 millimeters and the substrate is sufficiently chemically stable such that water filling the plurality of interconnected pores experiences a pH shift of less than 0.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventors: W. Gene Ramsey, Andrew Ungerleider
  • Publication number: 20090288341
    Abstract: A buoyant plant habitat and a process for manufacturing it. In one embodiment, the invention is a buoyant plant habitat comprising: a nonwoven matrix comprising fibers; and a plurality of buoyant foam units into said nonwoven matrix to produce a buoyant mass; wherein said buoyant foam units envelope a portion of said fibers. In another embodiment, the invention is a process for making a buoyant plant habitat comprising: providing a nonwoven matrix comprising fibers; and injecting a plurality of buoyant foam units into said nonwoven matrix. In another embodiment, the invention is a buoyant plant habitat comprising: a top layer of nonwoven matrix material; a bottom layer of nonwoven matrix material; a plurality of edge pieces of nonwoven matrix material that are attached by means of polymer plugs to said top layer and said bottom layer; and a plurality of closed-cell polymer foam pieces that are disposed between said layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: FOUNTAINHEAD, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce G. Kania, Frank M. Stewart
  • Patent number: 7607258
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of growing at least one plant (1), preferably a large number of plants, in which a plant is positioned for growth in a first growth substrate (2) which has a first water uptake capacity and a first sinking time S1, and the first growth substrate (2) is in fluid communication with a discrete second substrate (4) is mineral wool of density 40 to 100 kg/m2 and which has a second water uptake capacity which is less than the first water uptake capacity and a second sinking time S2 and the value of S1 is greater than the value of S2, and during growth the second substrate is flooded with water at intervals. Preferably growth is under conditions of drought stress and/or nutrient stress. The invention also provides a plant growth environment such as a filled pot (3) comprising the first and second substrates in fluid 20 communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Rockwool International A/S
    Inventor: Niels Holmenlund
  • Publication number: 20090139140
    Abstract: The invention is related to a method and device to grow bulb-crops for Cut-flower-production, like tulip bulbs or daffodil-bulbs. The device is constructed with a growing substrate, like a layer of mineral wool, including supportive means to position the bulbs to grow upright in the substrate. The device of substrate has gabs and or channels under the bulb, to create rooting-chambers or root-channels, to store and guide the roots of the bulbs. The invention shows also a method to grow commercial flower bulb crops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Arnoldus Cornelis Jozef Ammerlaan
  • Patent number: 7506473
    Abstract: An irrigation device for delivering water to the roots of a plant include an elongated mass of capillary material bound together by an impermeable sheath with a pair of cone shaped ends. A sponge like filter covers an upper one of the cone shaped ends and a second porous filter covers the opposite end. A plurality of impermeable tapered rings are provided for blocking off one or more portions of the capillary material to prevent water from flowing through those portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: Qassim A. Al-Qafas
  • Publication number: 20090019765
    Abstract: Provided is an artificial plant growth medium that is useful as a substitute for naturally produced soil in supporting plant growth. The artificial plant growth medium includes a cohesive mass of polymer fiberballs. The artificial plant growth medium may include a cohesive mass of fiberballs that are composed of biodegradable and/or non-biodegradable polymer fibers for use in plant cultivation. The artificial plant growth medium provides the optimal balance of water, and air to support plant growth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: 6062 Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Leonard KOSINSKI, Eric SENDERS, Cary SENDERS
  • Publication number: 20080282610
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: AeroGrow International, Inc.
    Inventors: W. Michael Bissonnette, Robert E. Wainwright, John Thompson, Carson Payne, Sylvia Bernstein, Curt Morgan, Robert Bromley, Andrew R. Bridgeman, Laura Conley, Ann Forsthoefel, Robert Showalter, Frederic Wiedemann
  • Publication number: 20080209804
    Abstract: The invention relates to a substrate for a soil-free cultivating or growing of plants. The substrate comprises slab (2) of fibrous material. Further quantification means (5) are provided. The quantification means allow for essentially non-destructive visualisation and/or monitoring of plant development. Thus plant growth, especially root growth can be monitored, where such monitoring no longer requires the sacrifice of any plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: ROCKWOOL INTERNATIONAL A/S
    Inventor: Peter Omer Marguerithe Stradiot
  • Publication number: 20080110086
    Abstract: A module suitable for the placing of plants on a natural soil substrate S or without artificial soil, whereby the substrate is oriented horizontally, with a slight or steep slope, all the way up to vertical, includes at least one front face (12), at least one rear face (14), a substrate (16) that is inserted between these at least two faces, whereby at least the front face (12) includes at least one recessed cell (18) that is obtained from the at least one front face (12), the at least one cell having a bottom (22) that is made integral with the closest rear face (14) by connecting elements (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Arnold Julia
  • Patent number: 7087161
    Abstract: A resin cultivating base serves as seedling beds for vegetation which are planted and are partially immersed in a river, lake, marsh, pond or waterway. The resin cultivating base is a three-dimensional structure constituted by long and short filaments of thermoplastic resin. The long and short filaments are curled or looped at random, and contacted, entwined and gathered, thereby forming a low density portion and a high density portion. Vegetables planted on the low density portion of the resin cultivating base suck nutritious salt such as phosphor and nitride. Microorganisms living in the resin cultivating base decompose organisms in the water, thereby purifying the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventors: Sadao Nishibori, Takeyasu Kikuchi, Maki Shirai, Yuichiro Nakamura, Emi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7060656
    Abstract: An antibacterial rockwool growth medium for hydroponics is used for hydroponic growth of rice, flowers and ornamental plants, fruitage, etc. The medium includes a rockwool base used as a culture medium for hydroponics, and an inorganic antibacterial agent is dispersed substantially uniformly onto an overall surface of the rockwool base or a part of the surface of the rockwool base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Akechi Ceramics Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinari Kato, Satoshi Kameshima
  • Patent number: 7036273
    Abstract: A gardening system wherein there is provided an outer container and a soil support insert placed therein, the soil support insert is spaced with the bottom wall of the container to find a water space and an air space therebetween, the insert having at least one downwardly extending wall which defines a cavity and the downwardly extending wall having a plurality of apertures therein to permit root growth therethrough, a non-soil growing medium within the cavity, the non-soil growing medium including mycorrhizal fungi incorporated therein. The system provides for an enhanced plant growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventors: Marc-André Valiquette, Yolande Dalpé, Valentin Furlan
  • Patent number: 7000351
    Abstract: A molded body for improving cultivation conditions for plants, which is suitable inter alia for arrangement in a plant holder. The molded body has a tapered projection and is arranged in such a way that the projection protrudes into the plant substrate in the plant holder. The projection has elements allowing an exchange of substances between the interior and the surroundings of the projection. This allows the targeted introduction of air, water, nutrients and auxiliary substances into the plant substrate and the root conglomerates. The molded body has a recess which acts as a water reservoir that is separate from the plant substrate. The molded body is water-permeable in the upper part and essentially impermeable to water at the bottom, in the tip of the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: IUP Institut fur Umweltpflege AG
    Inventor: Gerhard Baumann
  • Patent number: 6964128
    Abstract: Growth of a plant can be properly controlled, when a flower pot made of a transparent plastic and detachable light shades to the flower pot for controlling light are employed, as growth and increase of roots of the plant being observed through the transparent flower pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: Kouji Yasuda
  • Patent number: 6957512
    Abstract: A method for the propagation of and aeroponic growing of plants comprises transplanting a living plant into a vessel of polymer foam having at least one cavity distal to the plant; applying water to the foam sufficient to saturate the foam, whereby roots of the plant extend into and grow within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Smithers-Oasis Company
    Inventors: Roxanne E. Bakula, R. Alexander Masson, Charles F. Walton
  • Patent number: 6727091
    Abstract: The plants are disposed on a near-vertical matrix panel of porous or fibrous inert material, in which the roots of the plants are embedded. Hydroponic water trickles down the panel, keeping the roots wet. A fan draws the air to be treated horizontally through the panel. The unit freshens stale air in a room. It may be provided as a wall-mounted unit, or as a self-standing tower unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: University of Guelph
    Inventor: Alan Blake Darlington