Tennessee Patent of the Month – September 2021
Hydroponic devices use nutrient rich waters to grow plants rather than traditional soil mediums. A traditional hydroponic system uses a reservoir to hold the nutrient rich water which is pumped to the top of a planting column and directed back downward on the roots. The key limitation of these systems is their shape. Traditionally, the reservoir has a flat cover and a square or cylindrical shape. Water in a reservoir of this shape can distribute heat unevenly. The systems require optimal storage temperatures and conditions to prolong the life and efficacy of nutrients, which can be disrupted by this inconsistent heat distribution.
Tower Garden, LLC has designed a new hydroponic system which has better temperature regulation. Their design uses a unique reservoir with a base, cover, and a fill gauge. The fill gauge indicates the level of nutrient rich water in the reservoir. The reservoir cover allows the upper opening to be offset from the edge. This is a key difference from a traditional hydroponic system. The optimal base and cover shape forms a sphere overall which best regulates temperature dispersion. Without corners seen in traditional systems, there is no room for the formation of hot or cold spots.. A planting column is positioned above the opening which a plant can rest in. The planting column is also made of a heat resistant material which also helps regulate the temperature profile within the system. The f;uid is distributed in a regulated manner, flowing around the container, through a conduit and fluid distributor, and back to the reservoir. This improved temperature profile ultimately enhances plant growth and health.
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