| 摘要 |
A hydroponic plant growing apparatus is known to have plural open top flat b ed containers which are nested one on top of the other in a vertical orientatio n. The upper container typically supports individual pots containing a sterile support media such as rock wool, where as the bottom container typically forms a storage reservoir for the nutrient enriched solution. In operation, the nutrient solution is circulated from the lower container t o the upper containers. The three common methods of nutrient supply to the plants are (1 ) Drip irrigation (2) wick irrigation and (3) flood irrigation. Although these hydroponic systems have proven useful in their application, there exists a need for improvement to their overall operation. In this invention, the storage reservoir for the nutrient solution is constructed of fiberglass and incorporates a large drain hole covered by a drain plug. The plug is hinged to the tank on one side and the bottom of the reservoir is sloped in the direction of th e drain. The reservoir sits on a base, which allows the top of the reservoir to lay level and suspends the reservoir bottom off of the floor. Common plumbing is easily attached to the drain hole and routed to a typical sewage system or appropriate outdoor area. A chain i s attached to the plug thereby making itassessable from above the water level. Incorporate d in the drain is an overfill tube. The reservoir is also equipped with an automatic filling valve. The fill valve is actuated by a float, which rises and falls with the water level. A fill tube is located at the opposite and upper end of the reservoir and is connected t o the fill valve. By supplying water to the reservoir opposite the end that the water drains, a rinsing action is created when the reservoir is being emptied. In addition to an improvemen t in reservoir design, prior systems fail to properly address the need for adequate and eve n airflow to each individual plant. In this invention, the upper container is a two piece lid design with plural openings for pots and is nested on top of the reservoir. The pots fit tightly into the bottom section of the two piece lid while an air gap is provided in the uppe r section around each pot. The two piece lid acts as an air duct. The lid has a supply air port which enters the cavity between the two lids. When air is blown into the two piece lid, air escapes through the opening around the pots and the plants receive full coverage airflow. |
