US4004369A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Water cultivation method
Assignee: Nihon Jescoal Ind Co Ltd
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Filing: 1974-12-30
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Granted: 1977-01-25
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Expires: 1994-12-30
Abstract
Abstract Water containing nutrients is added to powdered activated carbon or passed through a layer of granular activated carbon for clarification, and water cultivation is effected in facilities by supplying the nourishing water in a water cultivation vessel, inserting seedlings of vegetables to a water cultivation panel installed above the vessel, and, if necessary, providing atmospheric conditions, water temperature and water quality suitable for the growth of the seedlings.
Inventors
- 👤 Hisayoshi Kato
- 👤 Ryuhji Ueno
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 17:09
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01G; A01G31/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
85 words
In a method of cultivating plants hydroponically wherein said plants are supported so that the roots of said plants are maintained in an aqueous nutrient solution and the tops of said plants are maintained above said solution whereby said plants are grown by means of water containing nutrients, substantially in the absence of soil, the improvement comprising adding activated carbon to said water, whereby organic substances harmful to said plants are adsorbed by said carbon and the growth and quality of said plants are improved.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
85 words
In a method of cultivating plants hydroponically wherein said plants are supported so that the roots of said plants are maintained in an aqueous nutrient solution and the tops of said plants are maintained above said solution whereby said plants are grown by means of water containing nutrients, substantially in the absence of soil, the improvement comprising adding activated carbon to said water, whereby organic substances harmful to said plants are adsorbed by said carbon and the growth and quality of said plants are improved.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
Method according to claim 1 wherein the nourishing water includes powdered activated carbon in an amount of about 0.1-0.4% in relation to the nourishing water weight.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
113 words
In a method of cultivating plants hydroponically wherein said plants are supported so that the roots of said plants are maintained in an aqueous nutrient solution and the tops of said plants are maintained above said solution to whereby said plants are grown by means of water containing nutrients, substantially in the absence of soil, the improvement comprising circulating the aqueous nutrient solution used for said plants through a layer of granular activated carbon contained in a vessel separate from the vessel in which the plants are grown in order to clarify said water and remove organic substances harmful to said plants and the growth and quality of said plants are thereby improved.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
113 words
In a method of cultivating plants hydroponically wherein said plants are supported so that the roots of said plants are maintained in an aqueous nutrient solution and the tops of said plants are maintained above said solution to whereby said plants are grown by means of water containing nutrients, substantially in the absence of soil, the improvement comprising circulating the aqueous nutrient solution used for said plants through a layer of granular activated carbon contained in a vessel separate from the vessel in which the plants are grown in order to clarify said water and remove organic substances harmful to said plants and the growth and quality of said plants are thereby improved.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
Method according to claim 3 wherein said circulating nutrient solution is maintained at suitable water temperature and water quality adapted for specific vegetables which grow normally only at a specific natural environment, and wherein atmospheric conditions including the light are adapted for said specific vegetables.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
Method according to claim 3 wherein said water is continuously circulated through said granular activated carbon.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-01-25 | 1980-07-26 | 1981-01-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-01-25 | 1984-07-26 | 1985-01-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-01-25 | 1988-07-26 | 1989-01-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |