Smart garden devices and methods for growing plants

12 Pages·2013·1.11 MB·English

US 20060272210A1
(19) United States
(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2006/0272210 A1
Bissonnette et al. (43) Pub. Date: Dec. 7, 2006
(54) SMART GARDEN DEVICES AND METHODS Related US. Application Data
FOR GROWING PLANTS
(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 10/528,110,
?led on Jul. 15, 2005, ?led as 371 of international
(75) Inventors: W. Michael Bissonnette, Boulder, CO application No. PCT/US04/30168, ?led on Sep. 15,
(US); Robert E. Wainwright, 2004.
Longmont, CO (US); Carson Payne,
NiWot, CO (US); John Thompson, (60) Provisional application No. 60/ 691,372, ?led on Jun.
17, 2005.
Boulder, CO (US); Curt Morgan,
Huntington Beach, CA (US); Sylvia
Publication Classi?cation
Bernstein, Boulder, CO (US)
(51) Int. Cl.
A01G 31/02 (2006.01)
Correspondence Address:
AeroGroW International, Inc. (52) US. Cl. ................................................................ .. 47/69
Suite 201
(57) ABSTRACT
900 28th St.
Boulder, CO 80303 (US) This invention provides smart garden devices for hydropon
ics growing systems, Wherein the devices include a means
(73) Assignee: AeroGroW International, Inc., Boulder, for delivering electricity to the smart garden device; at least
CO one timer; and means for determining, receiving, sending, or
processing data regarding the status of a component or
(21) Appl. No.: 11/455,364 characteristic of the hydroponics device. This invention also
provides smart garden kits and methods for using smart
(22) Filed: Jun. 19, 2006 garden devices for groWing plants.
100
/
220
Patent Application Publication Dec. 7, 2006 Sheet 1 0f 4 US 2006/0272210 A1
FIG. 1
C D 222
Patent Application Publication Dec. 7, 2006 Sheet 2 0f 4 US 2006/0272210 A1
FIG. 2
102
141
143
140
142
Patent Application Publication Dec. 7, 2006 Sheet 3 0f 4 US 2006/0272210 A1
FIG. 3
220
126 D
Patent Application Publication Dec. 7, 2006 Sheet 4 0f 4 US 2006/0272210 A1
FIG. 4
149 145
146
147
144
140
US 2006/0272210 A1 Dec. 7, 2006
SMART GARDEN DEVICES AND METHODS FOR immersed Within a liquid, While the foliage of the plant is
GROWING PLANTS alloWed to extend upWard from the root support medium
Where it is exposed to light. MeanWhile, the root structure is
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED exposed to a nutrient solution Which may be either Wicked
APPLICATIONS up to the roots by means of a porous Wicking medium or
circulated by means of a pump irrigation system. Either Way,
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part Applica
nutrient delivery to the root mass may be carefully regulated.
tion of US. application Ser. No. 10/528,110, ?led Mar. 16,
2005, Which is a National Stage Application under 35 U.S.C.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
371 of International Application Serial No. PCT/US2004/
30168, ?led Sep. 15, 2004; that also claims priority to US. [0008] This invention provides smart garden devices for a
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/691,372, ?led Jun. 17, hydroponics device, the hydroponics device having at least
2005, all of Which are incorporated herein by reference to
one characteristic or component, the smart garden device
the extent that there is no inconsistency With the present comprising: means for delivering electricity to the smart
disclosure.
garden device; at least one timer; and means for determin
ing, receiving, sending, or processing data regarding the
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
status of the component or characteristic of the hydroponics
[0002] This invention is in the ?elds of plant agriculture, device.
home gardening, indoor gardening, and hydroponics.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
BACKGROUND
[0009] FIGS. 1A-D are illustrations shoWing a perspective
[0003] Hydroponics is the cultivation of plants Without vieW, a front vieW, a side vieW, and a back vieW, respectively,
soil. Hydroponics provides healthier, disease-free plants, of a device, for groWing a plant or germinating a seed into
faster than groWing in soil. In soil-less culture, plants are a plant, of this invention.
instead cultivated using a liquid solution of Water and
[0010] FIGS. 2A-C are illustrations shoWing a perspective
nutrients. There are 6 basic types of hydroponic systems:
vieW, a front vieW, and a back vieW, respectively, of a device,
Wick, Raft (also called Water Culture), Ebb and FloW (also
for groWing a plant or germinating a seed into a plant, of this
called Flood & Drain), Drip, Nutrient Film Technique, and
invention.
Aeroponic. There are hundreds of variations on these basic
types of systems, and most hydroponics systems can be [0011] FIG. 5A is an illustration of a top perspective vieW
described as a variation or combination of these six types. of the portion of the device shoWn in FIG. 4A. FIG. 5B is
[0004] Plants need light, Water, nutrients, oxygen, carbon an illustration of a perspective ghost vieW (dashed lines) of
dioxide, appropriate temperatures, and time in order to groW. the base, including the smart garden, of the device shoWn in
This invention provides devices and methods for easily FIGS. 1A-D.
groWing a Wide variety of plants that are healthier and more
[0012] FIGS. 9A-E are illustrations shoWing a perspective
nutritious than plants groWn in soil. This invention provides
vieW, a front vieW, a back vieW, a side vieW, and a side vieW
a novel hydroponics system that is self-contained, useful for
With the arm extended, respectively, of the photoradiation
germination through harvest, useful for cuttings, is useful
apparatus shoWn in FIGS. 1A-D.
With loW technology components, is useful for single plants
through agricultural production, and provides more oxygen [0013] FIG. 10 is an illustration shoWing a front vieW of
to the plant roots than other hydroponic systems. a smart garden display panel of this invention.
[0005] A challenge in consumer level hydroponics is
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
incorporating a reliable method for reminding the user to
INVENTION
regularly care for the groWing plants. This invention pro
vides a reliable method for reminding a user to care for the
[0014] As is used in the art and as used herein, a “vessel”
groWing plants.
is able to contain a liquid and optionally has a bottom Wall
[0006] Soil-less cultivation of plants can provide many and/or one or more side Walls. The bottom Wall can have
advantages over traditional soil-based cultivation. In a soil vertical as Well as horiZontal components as in a hemisphere.
less medium, delivery of nutrients to plant roots can be A side Wall has a vertical component. Preferably the vessel
regulated more easily in order to optimiZe plant groWth. This is not permeable to photoradiation that Would interfere With
is done by precisely controlling the composition of a nutrient plant groWth or Would promote groWth of unWanted organ
solution, and then by controlling precisely the frequency that isms such as algae.
plant roots are exposed to the nutrient solution. Plants groW
[0015] Vessels of this invention are removably coverable
faster in a soil-less environment because plant roots are not
by a cover that has at least one plant opening for removably
required to expend the energy to push soil particles, and
suspending a plant. Preferably covers are not permeable to
therefore have more energy available for groWing.
photoradiation that Would interfere With plant groWth or
[0007] In hydroponics techniques, plants are groWn in the Would promote groWth of unWanted organisms such as
absence of soil and roots are maintained in a substantially algae. Preferably the devices of this invention are also not
liquid environment or humid environment. Instead of soil, permeable to liquids except at the plant opening(s) and any
the root mass of the plant is either supported Within an other opening functioning in liquid transfer, such as a liquid
essentially homogeneous synthetic or natural medium, ?ll inlet or outlet. Optionally the cover comprises tWo or
Which is either porous or particulate, or the root mass is more layers, e.g., an upper and loWer cover. When a device
US 2006/0272210 A1 Dec. 7, 2006
of this invention comprises an upper cover and a lower [0025] As used herein, the term “enclosed” refers to the
cover, both covers have at least one set of plant openings that state of having substantially all of the surfaces of a vessel
are horizontally aligned. de?ned by a solid object.
[0016] As used herein, “hydroponic” refers to plant grow [0026] As used herein, the term “characteristic” refers to
ing techniques that do not use soil. As used herein, “optimal qualities or attributes which describe the physical condition
growt ” refers to plant growth that is optimized to achieve or state of existence of the device, including, but not limited
to: timing cycle, need for nutrients, need for liquid within the
a selected set of characteristics, e.g., fruit harvest, root
harvest, leaf harvest, ?ower production and/or siZe, and device, humidity, root density, nutrient concentration, pH,
longevity. dissolved oxygen concentration, turbidity of liquid, incident
photoradiation, temperature, and plant mass.
[0017] As used in the art and as used herein, “nutrients”
[0027] As used herein the term “component” refers to
refers to atoms and molecules in an available form necessary
for plant growth in addition to oxygen, hydrogen, and water physical elements of the device including, but not limited to:
including calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, nitro timers, photoradiation sources, and pumps.
gen, phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, iron, manganese, copper, [0028] As used herein, the term “delivering electricity”
Zinc, boron, and molybdenum. Nutrient formulations and
refers to providing means for allowing electricity to enter
recipes are known in the art (see, for example, Resh H. M
and drive the electrical components of the device. The most
(2001) Hydroponic Food Production, Sixth Addition, Wood likely form this electricity delivery will take is to supply a
bridge Press Publishing Company, Santa Barbara, Calif.,
set of wires which can be plugged into household alternating
USA). It is known in the art that a liquid that contacts a plant, current, but adapting the device for use with a battery
e.g., liquid used to supply nutrients to a plant, is preferably operated system is also contemplated.
within a particular pH range. Optimal pH ranges for a
variety of plants are known in the art. As used herein, [0029] As used herein, the term “displaying” refers to a
“photoradiation” refers to wavelengths of light of suf?cient visual means of communication of information, such as an
quantity and quality that allow a plant to grow, as is known illuminated lamp, LCD or liquid level gauge. As used herein,
in the art. It is known in the art which quantities and the term “two week cycle” refers to a timing cycle which
wavelengths of photoradiation are preferred for many plants. extends approximately two weeks in duration.
[0018] The term “growing a plant” as used in herein refers [0030] As used herein, the term “liquid nutrient solution”
to the process which takes place when appropriate condi refers to a liquid which contains nutrients in solution or
tions such as water, photoradiation, gas containing oxygen suspension or in a mixture, or in a combination of solution,
and carbon dioxide, and nutrients are provided to a plant suspension or mixture. As used herein, the term “nutrient
tissue, whether a seed, a cutting, transplant, bulb, tuber, concentration” refers to the concentration of nutrient in the
runner, or a plant having roots, resulting in an increase in the liquid within the device including that which is available for
mass of plant tissue. The term “cutting” as used herein refers delivery to plant tissue.
to plant tissue with or without roots taken from an already
[0031] As used herein the term “determining, receiving,
existing plant.
sending or processing data” refers to one or more operations
[0019] The term “germinating a seed into a plant” as used to a data set which results in the creation of an additional
herein refers to the process which takers place when appro data set. The additional data set can be a copy of the ?rst data
priate conditions such as water, photoradiation, gas contain set in a new location.
ing oxygen and carbon dioxide are provided to the seed,
[0032] As used herein, the term “programmable storage
resulting in the emergence of a plant embryo from the seed.
device” refers to any storage device such as a computer chip,
for example, which is capable of storing data and informa
[0020] The term “growth medium” as used herein refers to
any material which permits the growth of plant material or tion for executing a program. As used herein the term
the germination of a seed to take place. “preprogrammed storage device” refers to any program
mable storage device which is programmed to carry out
[0021] The term “dissolved oxygen concentration” as used speci?c functions.
herein refers to the amount of molecular oxygen which is
contained in a liquid. [0033] As used herein, the term “root density” refers to the
proportion of root mass in a speci?c volume, such as g/mm3 ,
[0022] As used herein, the term “open conduit” refers to a for example. As used herein, the term “turbidity” refers to
conduit which is absent a portion of its outer perimeter. the quantity of suspended material in a liquid, as measured
by a photodensitometer.
[0023] As used in the art and as used herein, “channel”
refers to a form having one or more side walls and optionally [0034] As used herein, “adjuvants” refers to additives that
one or more bottom walls, wherein the channel is able to enhances the effectiveness a composition.
route a liquid from a ?rst location to one or more second
locations. [0035] The components illustrated in the drawings are
numbered as shown in Table 1 below.
[0024] Soil-less media for growing plants are generally
composed of materials that have moderate water-retention TABLE 1
characteristics, allowing liquid nutrient solution to ?ow
readily to plant roots and then to drain away so that roots are Drawing Elements
not constantly soaked in a liquid that may foster rot or the
growth of damaging fungi. Soil-less media may be com Item Numb er
posed of any number of suitable porous substances such as 1 plant growing device
peat moss, wood bark, cellulose, pumice, plastic or poly 3 cover
styrene pellets, vermiculite or foam, for example.
US 2006/0272210 A1 Dec. 7, 2006
side of the base contains the circuit board for the electric
TABLE l-continued power 142 of the device which is connected to a transformer
141.
Drawing Elements
[0038] FIGS. 3A-E are illustrations showing a perspective
Item Number view, a front view, a back view, a side view, and a side view
with the arm extended, respectively, of the photoradiation
4 opening
apparatus 125 shown in FIGS. lA-D. FIG. 3A shows a
12 vessel
33 liquid level gauge device or vessel receiving means 121. FIG. 3B shows the
100 hydroponic device with photoradiation apparatus and smart garden base 101, adjustable photoradiation arm 221, and photora
101 base diation hood 220. FIG. 3C shows the arm extension notches
102 door
128 and the height of an extension 127. A power cord exit
103 nutrient inlet cover
104 means for lifting cover 107 is also visible. FIG. 3E shows the device 100 with the
107 optional power cord exit arm completely extended 126.
114 leg
117 stand [0039] FIG. 4 is an illustration showing a front view of a
121 means for receiving vessel smart garden display panel 140 of this invention. The panel
220 arti?cial photoradiation hood 140 contains a means for inputting photoradiation cycle
221 adjustable photoradiation arm
override data 149, a means for alerting a user to add liquid
222 vent holes
223 means for adjusting photoradiation hood height 147 to the device, a means to alert a user to add nutrient 146
125 photoradiation apparatus to the device, and means for inputting nutrient cycle reset
126 extended arm data 145. Optionally the adding liquid 147 and adding
127 extension unit height
nutrient 146 signal means ?ash a light to alert a user. The
128 extension notch
140 smart garden display panel panel 140 also has a timing cycle selection input and display
141 transformer means 144. This data is used to select the cycle of the pump
142 circuit board power and/or the photoradiation apparatus. The cycle selected can
143 circuit board controller
be displayed by lighting up the name 148 of the selected
144 timing cycle selection button for photoradiation source and/or
cycle.
Pump
145 add nutrients reset button [0040] This invention provides a smart garden device for
146 add nutrients ?ashing signal
a hydroponics device, the hydroponics device having at least
147 add water ?ashing signal
148 timing cycle selection name that lights up one characteristic or component, the smart garden device
149 photoradiation cycle override button comprising: means for delivering electricity to the smart
garden device; at least one timer or clock or connection to
a clock or timer; and means for determining, receiving,
[0036] FIGS. lA-D are illustrations showing a perspective sending, or processing data regarding the status of the
view, a front view, a side view, and a back view, respectively, component or characteristic of the hydroponics device.
of a device 100, for growing a plant or germinating a seed
[0041] In an embodiment, the device also comprises a
into a plant with a photoradiation apparatus and smart
means for displaying the status of the component or char
garden, of this invention. The device shown in FIGS. lA-D
acteristic. In an embodiment, the device also comprises a
includes a photoradiation apparatus for delivering arti?cial
means for displaying the status of requirement to add
photoradiation with a base 101 and a notched arm 221 for
nutrient or for displaying the status of requirement to add
changing the height 223 of the photoradiation hood 220 as
liquid or both. In an embodiment, the device also comprises
the plants grow (not shown). The photoradiation hood 220
a means for displaying the status of requirement to add
has vent holes 222 for heat produced by the bulbs (not
liquid nutrient solution. In an embodiment, the device also
shown) to escape. The cover 3 of the vessel 12 has seven
comprises a timer for display of a requirement to add
openings 4 for plants. The plant-growing device 1 has door
nutrient. In an embodiment, the timer has a two-week cycle.
102 for adding liquid and viewing roots. Below the door 102
[0042] In an embodiment, the hydroponics device also has
is a liquid level gauge. In the cover 3 there is a nutrient inlet
cover 103. The cover 3 has two tabs and the vessel has two a second component or characteristic, the smart garden
device also comprising a means for determining, receiving,
cut-outs and indentations, which together serve as a means
for lifting the cover 104. The smart garden’s display panel sending, or processing data regarding the status of the
140 is shown in outline. second component or characteristic of the hydroponics
device or the smart garden device also comprising a means
[0037] FIG. 2A is an illustration of a top perspective view for displaying the status of the second component or char
of a portion of the device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2A shows acteristic or both. In an embodiment, the ?rst and second
a six uncovered plant openings 4 and one covered by a components or characteristics are the same. In an embodi
germination cap (not labeled). The door 102 is attached to ment, the ?rst and second components or characteristics are
the cover 3, and the stand 117, of which three legs 114 are different. In an embodiment, the component or characteristic
visible. One terraced aerator 47 is visible. FIG. 2B is an is selected from the group consisting of: timers, timing
illustration of a perspective ghost view (dashed lines) of the cycles, photoradiation sources, pumps, need for nutrient,
base, including the smart garden, of the device shown in need for liquid within the device, humidity, root density,
FIGS. lA-D. The base is an optional support for a device of nutrient concentration, dissolved oxygen concentration, tur
this invention and a photoradiation apparatus (not shown). bidity of liquid within the device, incident photoradiation,
This base contains a smart garden display panel 140 which temperature, pH, and plant mass. In an embodiment, the
also serves as a data entry panel. Behind the panel 140 is a liquid is water. In an embodiment, the liquid is liquid
circuit board controller 143 for the smart garden device. The nutrient solution.
US 2006/0272210 A1 Dec. 7, 2006
[0043] In an embodiment, the means for determining, quickly groWing healthy, productive plants. The devices of
receiving, sending, or processing data comprises a prepro this invention include small, self-contained, portable devices
grammed storage device. In an embodiment, the prepro for a home garden through large devices useful in the
grammed storage device is a circuit board. In an embodi agricultural industry. The method and devices of this inven
ment, the preprogrammed storage device is a computer chip. tion require no prior experience With groWing plants, but
In an embodiment, the means for determining, receiving, also provide satisfying experiences and harvests for master
sending, or processing data comprises a programmable gardeners. The methods and devices of this invention are
storage device. In an embodiment, the programmable stor useful for groWing ornamental plants as Well as plants for
age device is a circuit board. In an embodiment, the pro culinary use. The devices of this invention are useful for
grammable storage device is a computer chip. groWing plants at all stages, including from seed through
harvests, groWing plants from seed for transplant, groWing
[0044] In an embodiment, the smart garden device com plants from seedlings, and groWing cuttings. Reproductive
prises a means for determining, receiving, sending, or pro
and vegetative tissues including ?oWers, shoots, leaves, and
cessing data regarding the status of tWo or more components
roots can all be produced and harvested using the methods
or characteristics of the device and a means for displaying
and devices of this invention. When using the methods and
the status of tWo or more components or characteristics of devices of this invention, the volume of the vessel is selected
the device.
for the type and number of plants to be groWn.
[0045] In an embodiment, the smart garden device com [0050] This invention provides methods, devices, and kits
prises a means for receiving data regarding the status of a
that are useful for groWing plants hydroponically or With
photoradiation source, resetting a timer for the requirement
soil. This invention provides a device for groWing a plant or
to add nutrient, and selection of a timing cycle for a
germinating a seed into a plant. The devices of this invention
photoradiation source and/ or a pump. In an embodiment, the
are useful for groWing more than one plant or seed.
smart garden device comprises a timer for a photoradiation
source and a pump. In an embodiment, the smart garden [0051] In an embodiment of this invention, the gas com
device comprises a plurality of timing cycles for the timer. prises oxygen gas. In an embodiment of this invention, the
In an embodiment, the timing cycles are selected from the liquid comprises Water. In an embodiment of this invention,
group consisting of: 24 hours on, 24 hours off, 20 hours on the liquid also comprises one or more plant nutrients. In an
and 4 hours off, 18 hours on and 6 hours off, 16 hours on and embodiment of this invention, the liquid comprises Water
8 hours off, 14 hours on and 10 hours off, and 12 hours on and suf?cient quantities of all the macronutrients and micro
and 12 hours off. nutrients necessary for optimal plant groWth.
[0046] In an embodiment, the smart garden device further [0052] In an embodiment of this invention, the device or
comprises a liquid level gauge and a means for detecting a method includes: means for detecting, providing, and/or
signal from the liquid level gauge. In an embodiment, the modifying nutrients, photoradiation quantity and/or quality,
means for detecting a signal from a liquid level gauge is a temperature, ?uid level, dissolved oxygen, pH of the liquid,
photocell. In an embodiment, the smart garden device also means for detecting and quantitating unWanted organisms
comprises a means for sending data to or receiving data from (e.g., anaerobic bacteria and algae), and/ or means for report
an external programmable storage device. In an embodi ing results of various assays. Optionally, a device of this
ment, the external programmable storage device is accessed invention comprises a means for preventing over?lling the
through the internet. This invention provides machine-read liquid. The means for assaying and/ or modifying can include
able storage devices, program storage devices, and program use of machine readable storage devices, program storage
mable storage devices having data and methods for diag devices, and data sets regarding Which plants are being
nosing physical conditions. groWn and optimal nutrient concentration, temperatures, pH
levels, etc.
[0047] This invention also provides methods for using
hydroponics devices and for groWing plants and germinating [0053] In an embodiment of this invention, the method for
seeds into plants using the smart garden devices of this groWing plants is a hydroponic method. In an embodiment
invention. of this invention, the method comprises providing plant
groWth components comprising nutrients, oxygen, carbon
[0048] This invention provides a reliable method for
dioxide, and photoradiation and delivering the plant groWth
reminding a user to care for the groWing plants. This
components to the plant.
invention provides a device having a means for alerting a
user When to add Water and a means for alerting the user [0054] In an embodiment of this invention, the method
When to add food (nutrients and/ or fertilizer). This invention further comprises adding one or more nutrients to the liquid.
provides a device for determining, receiving, sending, or In an embodiment of this invention, the adding is performed
processing data regarding a photoradiation source and a about once a Week or once every tWo Weeks.
means for regulating the duration and frequency that pho
[0055] This invention provides a method for delivering
toradiation is delivered, and also optionally a means for
oxygen to a plant comprising: providing a plant With at least
overriding the regulating means. This invention also option
ally provides a device for regulating the duration and one root or a cutting that Will develop a root; providing a
liquid capable of having oxygen dissolved therein; providing
frequency of a liquid delivery means.
a gas comprising oxygen gas; providing a means for con
[0049] This invention provides devices useful With and/or tacting and ?uidly contacting the liquid With the gas
Within gardens as Well as gardening devices, including Whereby a portion of the oxygen gas dissolves in the liquid
hydroponic devices, containing the devices of this invention. thereby forming oxygenated liquid; providing a means for
The methods and devices of this invention are useful for elevating and elevating a portion of the oxygenated liquid
US 2006/0272210 A1 Dec. 7, 2006
above the remaining oxygenated liquid; allowing the portion can be unplugged and an extension cord added to suspend
of oxygenated liquid to fall through the gas into the remain the photoradiation hood at a higher elevation than permitted
ing oxygenated liquid Whereby more oxygen gas dissolves by the arm.
in the liquid thereby forming super-oxygenated liquid; and
[0063] In an embodiment, the smart garden includes a
contacting the root With the oxygenated liquid or the super
means for communicating With an external programmable
oxygenated liquid; Whereby oxygen is delivered to the plant.
storage device directly and/or through the internet. The
In an embodiment of this invention, suf?cient oxygen is
smart garden devices of this invention are useful alone and
delivered to the plant that the plant groWs. In an embodiment
in combination With other devices, in the practice of this
of this invention, suf?cient oxygen is delivered to the plant
invention. External liquid reservoirs are useful With the
that the plant optimally groWs.
devices and methods of this invention.
[0056] Optionally the liquid falling through said gas into
[0064] The devices of this invention are useful With gar
said remaining portion of oxygenated liquid increases the
dening systems and devices, including hydroponics devices.
humidity level of said gas, and the method further comprises
The devices of this invention are useful With systems and
contacting said root With said humidity. Optionally the
devices having a component or characteristic selected from
method further comprises contacting said root With said gas
the group consisting of: timers, timing cycles, photoradia
comprising oxygen. Optionally the method further com
tion sources, pumps, need for nutrient, need for liquid Within
prises alloWing said root to groW in said oxygenated or
said device, humidity, root density, nutrient concentration,
super-oxygenated liquid.
dissolved oxygen concentration, turbidity of liquid Within
[0057] In an embodiment of this invention, the vessel and said device, incident photoradiation, temperature, and plant
the cover form an enclosed chamber, except for the plant mass. Hydroponics devices useful in the practice of this
openings. invention include devices described in PCT/US04/30168,
the AeroGardenTM (AeroGroW International, Inc., Boulder,
[0058] In an embodiment of this invention, the ?rst and Colo.), and hydroponic gardening devices available on the
second portions of liquid are delivered simultaneously. In an market and as yet to be invented. The devices of this
embodiment of this invention, the means for delivering invention are useful With hydroponics nutrients described in
liquid and the means for delivering photoradiation are Us. Ser. Nos. 11/321,023 and 11/321,910.
scheduled to operate simultaneously.
[0065] In an embodiment of this invention, the hydropon
[0059] When making or selecting a net basket of this ics device is a consumer device that is useful in the home for
invention, the channel locations and shapes are selected to groWing food. In an embodiment, it is a self-contained
prevent a contained and supported Wet groWth medium from device, can be placed on a kitchen counter, is consumer
completely clogging any of the channels. When using a friendly and easy to use, and can ?t under standard kitchen
hydroponics device or net basket of this invention, a groWth cabinets.
medium is selected for the plant that is to be groWn and the
[0066] In an embodiment, the device is composed of tWo
delivery schedule of the liquid. In an embodiment of this
printed circuit boards that are connected to a loW voltage
invention, the groWth medium is not soil-less and comprises
poWer supply, a pump, and a lamp in triac poWer control
soil. In an embodiment, the groWth medium includes a
circuitry, and a microprocessor, user sWitch, and LED dis
variety of materials useful for groWing plants. In an embodi
play circuits. The components necessary to make devices of
ment, plant nutrients are in the groWing medium.
this invention are knoWn in the art. The devices of this
[0060] The methods and devices provided by this inven invention are useful for hydroponic, aeroponic, and soil
tion are useful With and Without soil. The methods are easy gardens knoWn in the art and as yet to be invented. Seeds,
to folloW and the devices are easy to use. Most plants, nutrients, photoradiation devices, circuit board components,
including universally believed to be dif?cult groWers such as etc. knoWn in the art and as yet to be invented are useful in
orchids can be groWn in the devices of this invention. The the practice of this invention.
devices of this invention form enclosed chambers for root
[0067] In an embodiment, the device also contains addi
nourishment and groWth. The devices are self-contained and
tional cycles and settings that may be hidden from the
provide Water, photoradiation, and plant nutrients With little
consumer. In an embodiment, the device meets all require
care and maintenance by a user. Optionally means are
ments of UnderWriter’s Laboratories.
provided for alerting a user to add Water, liquid, and/ or plant
nutrients. The devices optionally include photoradiation
EXAMPLE 1
sources, and a means for regulating the frequency and
duration of photoradiation delivery.
[0068] A smart garden device of this invention Was placed
Within a hydroponics garden, similar to the garden described
[0061] The devices of this invention are useful for groW
ing plants from seed through harvest and through senescence in PCT/US04/30168. A salad greens lettuce seed kit (Aero
GroW International, Inc., Boulder, Colo.) containing pre
or death. The devices of this invention are useful for groWing
transplants, cuttings, somatic embryos, tubers, and runners. seeded seed pods and nutrient tablets Was utiliZed to start the
garden. The seed pods Were planted in the garden, about 14.5
[0062] Optionally the hydroponics devices of this inven ounces of Water Were added, tWo nutrient tablets Were
tion also include a battery to maintain the functioning of the dropped into the garden, and the garden Was plugged in. The
timer(s) during short intervals in Which electricity is not lights came on. Water Was pumped up to the seed pods. The
supplied, such as during poWer outages or during moving the nutrient tablets began to dissolve. The plant type Was
device to a different location. Optionally an external electric selected as lettuce/salad greens. The nutrient reset button
cord connects the base to the photoradiation hood. The cord Was pressed. The light cycled on and olf as appropriate for