Abstract: The invention is a plastic storage case predominantly for small parts that consists of a plurality of joined storage compartments with each having a snap cover lid that are joined to the compartment via a living hinge forming a full enclosure that can be opened and closed easily. A unique aspect of the invention is that it can contain many joined storage compartments in one integral unit made of a single recyclable plastic such as High Density Polypropylene. When use is complete, this allows the entire package to be placed in a recycle container and then ground up to be molded again making new parts.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a plant growth and support module comprising (a) a backing (1), (b) a hydroponic substrate (8), wherein said hydroponic substrate (8) comprises an array of holes (9) for receiving a plant and/or a growth medium, (c) an irrigation layer, wherein said irrigation layer comprises a capillary material, and (d) a front (2), wherein said front (2) is connected to said backing (1), enclosing the hydroponic substrate (8) and the irrigation layer, said front (2) comprising an array of openings (4), said array of openings (4) are aligned with the holes of the hydroponic substrate (8), and wherein both the backing (1) and the front (2) comprise glass fibers, and which backing (1) and said front (2) are interconnected by means of an infusible stitching (3). Further aspects of the invention relate to a kit of at least two plant growth and support modules, a green wall, and a method of manufacturing a green wall.

Abstract: An elongated bag for use as a ready-to-use grow bag. The bag is manufactured as an elongated plastic body with a sealed bottom and a sealable top. The bag includes one or more gussets defined by folds in the bag and a score line for a tear strip in an area sufficiently below the top and above the fill material to allow the bag to lie flat for transportation and deploy into a cylinder for planting. The bag includes drain holes near the bottom of the bag and microperforations along the bag for respiration.

Abstract: Plants are grown in grow trays. The grow trays are placed on a shelf that has rollers mounted on a top side of the shelf and a first stop at a first end of the first shelf. The first shelf is tilted so that grow trays placed on the first shelf will tend to roll towards the first stop at the first end of the first shelf. A plurality of light panels is mounted on the light support system at various locations over the shelf so that a first subsection of the grow trays will be illuminated by the light panels and a second subsection of the grow trays will not be illuminated by the light panels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coherent propagation growth substrate product (1) formed of man-made vitreous fibres (MMVF), the product (1) having two opposed top and bottom surfaces and at least one cavity (2) which is open at the top surface and which extends from the top surface towards the bottom surface, wherein a superabsorbent polymer (3) is provided in the cavity (2).

Abstract: A sowing unit including water-absorbing material, an enclosure and a seed, wherein the water-absorbing material includes a hygroscopic negatively-charged material capable of binding a positively charged nutrient ion selected from NH4+, L-arginine, L-lysine and L-histidine; and optionally a nutrient including a positively charged nutrient ion selected from K+, NH4+, L-arginine, L-lysine and L-histidine. Methods and uses of the sowing unit are described.

Abstract: An internal hollow planting tray is formed by blow molding and made of thermoplastic materials. Multiple planting holes gradually narrowing from top to bottom are evenly distributed on the planting tray, and multiple relatively convex positioning protrusions are set on an inner side of each planting hole for holding around a foam filling member provided to support the planted plants passing through the planting holes. Two relative side concave portions set on an upper edge of each planting hole are provided for fingers to insert to place and take the filling member. Furthermore, two main flow channels are respectively set on two sides of the planting tray. The main flow channel may be respectively communicated with multiple secondary flow channels and minor flow channels as required, to place droppers or provide nutrient solution flowing.

Abstract: The facility has a pair of side bars (1,1) acting as inclined supports for an upper sheet (2) with openings (8) for inserting the plants, a closed lower sheet (4) acting as a collector, and at least one intermediate sheet (3) with openings determining a cascade trajectory for the water with the nutrients. The multi-layer upper sheet (2) preferably includes four layers (2a, 2b, 2e and 2d), which together define narrow channels (7) such that at insertion, the root of each plant is placed in a channel (7) different from that used by the adjacent plants. The openings (8) for the insertion of the plants form two marginal and longitudinal lines, so than the roots of adjacent plants can be completely isolated during the first growth phase thereof, preventing interference therebetween and allowing plants with different growth rates and even different types of plants to be arranged on the facility, generating, in turn, continuous production and an improved yield from the facility.

Abstract: A packing box (1, 2) with a bottom wall (15) and adjoining side and end walls (3-8) and at least one closure lid (9, 10) is provided. Several roughly identical packing boxes (1, 2) may be joined to each other at their mutually adjacent side walls (4, 5) and may swivel about a breakable film hinge (17) and at least one breakable connection cam (14) spanning the film hinge which is arranged between the mutually adjoining side walls (4, 5).

Abstract: A plant pot tray having receptacles configured to receive pots of various sizes, with the receptacles including a side wall portion, a base wall portion, and one or more tabs with a longitudinal hinge portion connecting the tab to the side wall portion. The tabs each extend inwardly toward an interior of the receptacle with the tab configured to pivot along the longitudinal hinge portion whereby the tab is able to pivot upon insertion of a plant pot into a receptacle with the tab providing a biasing force against the plant pot to aid in retention of the plant pot in the tray and accommodate differently sized pots.

Abstract: A seedling tray includes a top body member constructed of a rigid solid plastic material having a plurality of planting cells formed in an upper surface with each of the cells converging downwardly and inwardly to define an opening at the bottom thereof. A plurality of air chambers are formed between adjacent ones of the cells which are closed at the bottom by a bottom plate member constructed of a rigid plastic material which is fixedly attached to the body member and which has openings therein corresponding in number and alignment with the openings of the bottoms of the cells which are sealingly engaged with the openings in the bottom plate member.

Abstract: A planting pot system is provided. In the system, a multi-compartment tray that contains compartments that have either no vertical planes of symmetry or only one vertical plane of symmetry causes pots that have either one vertical plane of symmetry or no vertical planes of symmetry to be limited or precluded from being rotated and consistently urged into a place in only one orientation. Through this system efficient and effective orienting of and displaying of the contents of the pots may be achieved.

Abstract: Provided is a raised-bed gardening container, including a base, a feeding tube, and a cover frame. The base may include a bottom edge; a top rim at least 36 inches above the bottom edge; an exterior sidewall extending between the bottom edge and the top rim; an interior sidewall extending from the top rim to a bottom interior, the interior sidewall and bottom interior defining an interior volume for containing a gardening media, the interior volume having a diameter of greater than approximately four feet; a feeding tube support generally centrally disposed in the base; and a gardener passage extending to the feeding tube support and having a width configured to allow a gardener to walk through the gardener passage to the feeding tube support.

Abstract: Exemplary sprouters may provide automatic water level adjustment for soaking seeds and growing sprouts from those seeds in trays formed from a hydrophobic material and with holes in the bottom surface of the tray sized such that the surface tension of pure water and the hydrophobic properties of the tray material resists passage of the pure water through the holes. The automatically adjusting may be facilitated by germinating seeds soaking in water changing the surface tension of the soaking water and reducing the resistance to passage through the holes.

Abstract: An assembly in use forming a tray for plant material includes a holder; and at least one insert which can be respectively placed in and removed from the holder. The insert includes at least one cell defining a plant position. The cell includes at least a wall and a bottom for accommodating content in the cell during use of the assembly. The at least one wall substantially encloses the plant position. The wall and/or bottom comprises an opening through which access is provided with means for removing the content of the cell, such as a pusher or a ram.

Abstract: A planting structure includes at least one ridge (1) and at least one furrow (2) connected together. The furrow (2) is filled with organic materials, the density of which is less than that of the ridge (1). A planting method is also provided. Said planting structure and method can condition soil, and increase the growth amount of the wild and cultivated plants.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for containing, protecting, isolating, and individually identifying sets of one or more articles in a plurality of compartments such that information related to the sets can be easily and efficiently linked to the set. In an example of the apparatus, the apparatus has a compartment layer, a sealant layer, and indicia which may individually identify compartments. In another example, a method includes taking a compartment layer and sealant layer, loading compartments with sets of one or more articles, closing the compartment layer with the sealant layer, and identifying each compartment for each seed or portion thereof with a positionally-addressable ordered array of indicia on at least one of the layers of the package.

Abstract: A vertical planter and gardening wall comprised of base planter blocks that are identical to each other and end blocks that are identical to each other. The blocks are stackable and interlock. The invention can be used by gardeners to cultivate and display their gardens indoors or outdoors in a restricted area.

Abstract: A method of producing a horticultural display containing more than one variety of the same or different species of flowering plant is disclosed. The plants are produced from unrooted cuttings that are rooted in a growth cell and cultivated in a single container so that the final product includes more than one plant species or more than one plant variety or both. A plant growth cell having rooting media and more than one plant cutting from more than one plant species or plant variety or both rooted therein is also disclosed. Further, a horticultural display having more than one plant of more than one plant species or plant variety or both initially rooted together from unrooted plant cuttings in a growth cell is disclosed.

Abstract: A plant growing assembly is configured to grow a plurality of plants in multiple directions above a ground surface. The assembly includes a growing container and a support structure for elevating the container above the ground surface. The container presents a generally hollow body to retain a plant-growing medium and the plurality of plants. The body extends along an axis to present opposite axial end margins and a radial peripheral wall. The wall defines a plurality of discrete plant-receiving ports extending therethrough, and disposed generally radially about the wall. A method of growing plants above ground in substantially opposite directions from one another is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for containing, protecting, isolating, and individually identifying sets of one or more articles in a plurality of compartments such that information related to the sets can be easily and efficiently linked to the set. In an example of the apparatus, the apparatus has a compartment layer, a sealant layer, and indicia which may individually identify compartments. In another example, a method includes taking a compartment layer and sealant layer, loading compartments with sets of one or more articles, closing the compartment layer with the sealant layer, and identifying each compartment for each seed or portion thereof with a positionally-addressable ordered array of indicia on at least one of the layers of the package.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for containing, protecting, isolating, and individually identifying sets of one or more articles in a plurality of compartments such that information related to the sets can be easily and efficiently linked to the set. In an example of the apparatus, the apparatus has a compartment layer, a sealant layer, and indicia which may individually identify compartments. In another example, a method includes taking a compartment layer and sealant layer, loading compartments with sets of one or more articles, closing the compartment layer with the sealant layer, and identifying each compartment for each seed or portion thereof with a positionally-addressable ordered array of indicia on at least one of the layers of the package.

Abstract: A plant growing assembly is configured to grow a plurality of plants in multiple directions above a ground surface. The assembly includes a growing container and a support structure for elevating the container above the ground surface. The container presents a generally hollow body to retain a plant-growing medium and the plurality of plants. The body extends along an axis to present opposite axial end margins and a radial peripheral wall. The wall defines a plurality of discrete plant-receiving ports extending therethrough, and disposed generally radially about the wall. A method of growing plants above ground in substantially opposite directions from one another is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for connecting an interconnectable plant tray to a complementary plant tray are provided. In particular embodiments of the present invention include an interconnectable plant tray comprising a tray having one or more sides and one or more storage receptacles. The tray further includes a connection region positioned along at least one of the sides for connecting the tray to a complementary tray, the connection region including a first portion and a second portion, the portions being separated by a notch. The tray also has one or more coupling members located along the first portion of the connection region, and one or more coupling receptacles for receiving coupling members of the complementary tray, the one or more coupling receptacles being located within the second portion of the connection region. In particular embodiments, the complementary tray is substantially identical to the interconnectable tray.

Abstract: Planting pots and a multi-compartment tray are provided, the pots and tray having a self-orienting configuration for urging the pots into proper alignment when same are placed within compartments of the tray. The pots include angled recesses disposed radially about the bottom portion of the pots. The compartments of the tray include angled protrusions disposed radially about the bottom portion of the compartment. The angled recesses of the pot engage with the angled protrusions of the compartment when the pot is placed in the compartment to urge the pot into proper alignment. A plurality of slots are included along an upper portion of each pot for allowing optional identification tags to be inserted thereinto. The identification tags, in addition to logos, artwork, or other indicia, if included, are positioned by the self-orienting configuration of the pots and tray to face in a desired direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly in use forming a tray for plant material. The assembly includes a holder; and at least one insert which can be respectively placed in and removed from the holder. The insert includes at least one cell defining a plant position. The cell includes at least a wall and a bottom for accommodating content in the cell during use of the assembly. The at least one wall substantially encloses the plant position. The wall and/or bottom comprises an opening through which access is provided with means for removing the content of the cell, such as a pusher or a ram.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a synthetic medium for soilless propagation and growth of plants. More specifically, the synthetic medium components are formed in particular shapes and sizes of a polymer foam to optimize the several stages of plant propagation and growth. A method for utilizing these foam components is also disclosed for use in a standard glass house environment. Each step is optimized for a particular type of plant and its individual growth stage. The soilless medium preferred in this invention also allows for a dramatic reduction in scrap material disposal costs and problems as the preferred foam material reverts to powder form when compressed at up to an 80% volume reduction versus the foam state. These powders can be land-filled, recycled as soil additives or incinerated without environmental impact.

Abstract: Planting pots and a multi-compartment tray are provided, the pots and tray having a self-orienting configuration for urging the pots into proper alignment when same are placed within compartments of the tray. The pots include angled recesses disposed radially about the bottom portion of the pots. The compartments of the tray include angled protrusions disposed radially about the bottom portion of the compartment. The angled recesses of the pot engage with the angled protrusions of the compartment when the pot is placed in the compartment to urge the pot into proper alignment. A plurality of slots are included along an upper portion of each pot for allowing optional identification tags to be inserted thereinto. The identification tags, in addition to logos, artwork, or other indicia, if included, are positioned by the self-orienting configuration of the pots and tray to face in a desired direction.

Abstract: Planting pots and a multi-compartment tray are provided, the pots and tray having a self-orienting configuration for urging the pots into proper alignment when same are placed within compartments of the tray. The pots include angled recesses disposed radially about the bottom portion of the pots. The compartments of the tray include angled protrusions disposed radially about the bottom portion of the compartment. The angled recesses of the pot engage with the angled protrusions of the compartment when the pot is placed in the compartment to urge the pot into proper alignment. A plurality of slots are included along an upper portion of each pot for allowing optional identification tags to be inserted thereinto. The identification tags, in addition to logos, artwork, or other indicia, if included, are positioned by the self-orienting configuration of the pots and tray to face in a desired direction.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods and apparatuses for supporting various stages of plant growth through layered soils. In embodiments, a soil adapted for supporting a first plant growth phase (e.g. germination) may be proximal, adjacent, or partially surrounded by a second soil adapted for supporting a subsequent growth phase (e.g. a vegetative phase) such that the roots of the plant encounter the second soil as the plant progresses from the first growth phase to the second growth phase. Some embodiments may provide one or more additional soil layers positioned proximal to the second soil, with the additional soil layers adapted to support additional subsequent plant growth phases. Apparatuses suitable for practicing embodiments of such methods are further provided.

Abstract: A vegetation block frame and a vegetation block. The vegetation block frame includes a bottom plate; outer walls 120, which define an inner space with the bottom plate; and a plurality of partitions extending crosswise and lengthwise inside the inner space, thereby forming a plurality of unit vegetation spaces. Each of the bottom plate and the partitions has a plurality of holes, and concavities and convexities are alternately formed in the upper and lower parts of the outer walls. A step block is selectively inserted into one of the unit vegetation spaces. The internal space is partitioned into the unit vegetation spaces by the partitions having the holes, so that herbs, plants and trees can easily take root and grow. The concavities and convexities are formed in the outer walls of the vegetation block frame engage with each other, thereby preventing twisting and upward separation after construction.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for connecting an interconnectable plant tray to a complementary plant tray are provided. In particular embodiments of the present invention include an interconnectable plant tray comprising a tray having one or more sides and one or more storage receptacles. The tray further includes a connection region positioned along at least one of the sides for connecting the tray to a complementary tray, the connection region including a first portion and a second portion, the portions being separated by a notch. The tray also has one or more coupling members located along the first portion of the connection region, and one or more coupling receptacles for receiving coupling members of the complementary tray, the one or more coupling receptacles being located within the second portion of the connection region. In particular embodiments, the complementary tray is substantially identical to the interconnectable tray.

Abstract: A multipurpose planting base includes a holding cover having an open window divided by a holding crosspiece, and a tray for supporting the opening side of the holding cover and for receiving a culture soil with which the holding cover is filled. When used for pot planting, it includes a planting pot tray having a planting pot exposed toward the open window when housed in the holding cover. When used for pot planting on a wall surface, in addition to the planting pot tray having the planting pot exposed toward the open window when housed in the holding cover, it also includes a pocket-type soil receiving tray attached to the outside of the planting pot of the planting pot tray for receiving culture soil in the planting pot, and a mesh board for holding the soil-receiving tray at a predetermined position and for holding down the holding cover.

Abstract: Planting pots and a multi-compartment tray are provided, the pots and tray having a self-orienting configuration for urging the pots into proper alignment when same are placed within compartments of the tray. The pots include angled recesses disposed radially about the bottom portion of the pots. The compartments of the tray include angled protrusions disposed radially about the bottom portion of the compartment. The angled recesses of the pot engage with the angled protrusions of the compartment when the pot is placed in the compartment to urge the pot into proper alignment. A plurality of slots are included along an upper portion of each pot for allowing optional identification tags to be inserted thereinto. The identification tags, in addition to logos, artwork, or other indicia, if included, are positioned by the self-orienting configuration of the pots and tray to face in a desired direction.

Abstract: A floatable growth tray for the germination of seedlings has a plurality of cells adapted to receive a mixture of a growth median and seeds. The tray has sealed pockets forming air chambers to enable the tray to float. The cells have holes forming openings extending through a bottom surface of the tray permitting water to enter the cells to promote germination of the seeds.

Abstract: A first horticulture tray including cells and posts axially extending in the same direction from an upper surface. The cells are arranged in rows and columns that are aligned approximately perpendicular to the rows. The cells and the posts nest within similar cells and similar posts of a similar horticulture tray in a first orientation. The posts contact a similar upper surface of the similar horticulture tray to space the upper surface from the similar horticulture tray in a second orientation.

Abstract: A transplanting system including both methods and specific types of transplant apparatus such as propagule transplant trays(3, 4, 5, 6) addresses the need for the use of a propagule punch machine (8) on a variety of adolescent tray configurations (9, 11, 12, e.g.) and the increased operational efficiency that such enhanced operational capability affords. The system may involve at least one areally continuous propagule tray (3, 4, 5, 6) that is operationally compatible with a numerically significant number of adolescent plant trays. Other embodiments of the invention disclose punch pins (59) for use in a plant punch machine transplanter that are user-detachable and differentially designed so that plant punch elements of a certain design may be installed as part of the machine to customize the transplant process for a given species and transplant modality. The invention also provides for a consultable collection (such as printed documents or an electronic database, e.g.

Abstract: A starter cell for starting a plant has a first opening at the topmost portion of the cell for facilitating plant seeding and growth, a second opening at the bottommost portion of the cell for facilitating root passage for air pruning of the root, and a plurality of inward-facing ridges formed vertically along the cell walls and along any cell comers. The cell is characterized in that the ridges are strategically placed to guide developing roots to avoid twisting and balling. In some embodiment the ridges have feet to provided for stacking, for example.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing a plant is disclosed. A planting system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A growing system for plant seedlings that takes into consideration the varied requirements of the seedling; seedling and transplant environment; seedling cell (312) size; mechanical transplanter requirements; seedling leaf, stem and root development and coordinates all these requirements to increase transplanting yields may include larger containers that maximize yield and minimize damage. Aspects may eliminate left-over seedlings, reduce the number of manual steps, decrease labor, and increase transplant yields.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new delivery systems for cyclopropenes in which the cyclopropene, either free or encapsulated within a molecular encapsulation agent is incorporated into produce packaging materials.

Abstract: A planter having a plurality of cells, each for receiving one or more plants such that an overall vegetative representation of a predetermined pattern is formed. The cells may be occupiable directly by the root balls of plants or by plants in pots, or combinations thereof. The cells may be rectangular or other shape. The cells may be arranged in a regular grid array or in any other spatial relationship. The predetermined pattern may be determined by the pattern of the cells, or it may be imposed on a non-patterned arrangement of cells, for example a regular grid, through selection and placement of individual plants according to a predetermined planting template. The template may be a program design wherein the spatial location of each plant is specified; or it may be an actual physical element, for example, a paper design superimposable on the planter through which the selected plants are inserted to form the vegetative design in the planter.

Abstract: A transplanting system including both methods and specific types of transplant apparatus such as propagule transplant trays(3, 4, 5, 6) addresses the need for the use of a propagule punch machine (8) on a variety of adolescent tray configurations (9, 11, 12, e.g.) and the increased operational efficiency that such enhanced operational capability affords. The system may involve at least one areally continuous propagule tray (3, 4, 5, 6) that is operationally compatible with a numerically significant number of adolescent plant trays. Other embodiments of the invention disclose punch pins (59) for use in a plant punch machine transplanter that are user-detachable and differentially designed so that plant punch elements of a certain design may be installed as part of the machine to customize the transplant process for a given species and transplant modality. The invention also provides for a consultable collection (such as printed documents or an electronic database, e.g.

Abstract: Plastic bags are continuously formed and filled with sand, soil and gravel to fabricate flexible soft bricks of various shapes and configurations which may be laid on the ground to stabilize sand for growing vegetation or to prevent soil depletion due to water erosion or to grow vegetation in them. Protective housings made of plastic membrane material may be erected in dry or desert regions for growing trees and vegetation. The lower portion of the housing may be located below ground into a trench. Self operating knives are located in the housing to sever the plastic membrane material when the tree grown in the housing has reached a predetermined maturity. Tree planting bullets are provided to facilitate forestation by airplane to land inaccessible regions. The tree seedling is located in supported in an embryonic sack located in a depression formed in the rear portion of the bullet head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the in situ manufacture of plant extracts from living plants. Since the plant remains intact, a flower or other component of the plant can be extracted one or more times. Following the extraction process, the plant is typically able to continue with its lifecycle. Such extracts have a variety of uses including use for, but not limited to: herbal and homeopathic medicines, hair and skin treatments, and cosmetics. The present invention also relates to apparatus useful for manufacturing plant extracts from living plants.

Abstract: A container for growing plants comprising a main body with an open top and perimeter rim, and a funnel-like water collection means having an inner mating perimeter adapted to adjoin the perimeter rim, an outer mating perimeter of greater size than the inner mating perimeter and a sloping surface connecting the outer mating perimeter to the inner mating perimeter, such that overhead water is captured and directed into the open top. The water collection means may be detachable. The water collection means has mating edges adapted to continuously and contiguously abut mating edges of like containers to form a solid water capture surface in all directions when multiple containers are properly positioned.

Abstract: A propagation tray configured to receive a plurality of seedlings or root cuttings comprising a tray member having an outer peripheral skirt formed about the periphery thereof and a plurality of propagation cells each having an upper centrally disposed aperture formed in the upper portion thereof inwardly of the outer peripheral skirt to receive a growing media and seedlings or root cuttings therein, a lower centrally disposed drainage aperture formed in the lower portion thereof and a growing media support member formed across the lower centrally disposed drainage aperture to retain the growing media and seedling or root cutting therein.

Abstract: Cultivation cell for seedlings and a tray formed from such cells, comprising apertures breaking the cell upper rims. Thereby growth disturbancies in roots growing close to the substrate surface are prevented. The tray comprises air channels, and growth of surface roots across the upper apertures from one cell to another is prevented by structural elements giving the tray rigidity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved nursery tray and apparatus for handling such a nursery tray during propagating and growing periods, the tray (10) comprising a plurality of cells (18) in a predetermined array having two opposed side walls (14, 15) and two opposed end walls (16, 17), the tray being characterized by a plurality of spaced slots (28) located in opposed walls (14, 15, 16, 17) with each slot (28) being aligned with a space between two of said cells (18) and each slot (28) having an open end at a lower edge of the walls (14, 15, 16, 17) in which the slots are formed, the apparatus for handling such trays being characterized by support members (40) interconnected by chains (46) into an endless configuration capable of being driven by drive means (42) such that the support members move along guideways (41), the support members (40) each having at least one elevated tray engagement part (45) configured to engage in tray edge formations such as the slots (28) to support the trays in a manner

Abstract: A live plant container comprises an elongated trough, a hydratable propagating medium positioned in and substantially filling the trough, and a cover closing off the trough to form an oasis for the plants with the cover including a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings configured and dimensioned to form cells to retain live plants in an upright position when inserted through the opening into the propagating medium.