US4037363A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for increasing the available volume for a nutritive solution contained in a hydroponic receptacle
Assignee: Interhydro AG
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Filing: 1975-03-26
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Granted: 1977-07-26
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Expires: 1995-03-26
Abstract
Abstract Method and apparatus which increases the available volume for a nutritive solution contained in a hydroponic receptacle. Hollow shells are placed on the bottom of the receptacle reaching a level just above the maximum level of the nutritive solution, the hollow shells being then covered with a layer of substratum. The hollow shells are made of a material without capillarity for preventing the evaporation of the nutritive solution, the shells being, for instance, cylindrically shaped, thin-walled and having openings at each end thereof. Due to the low rate of evaporation, several days or even weeks can go by before the refilling; it is possible to install hydroponic receptacles outdoors.
Inventors
- 👤 Gerhard Baumann
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 14:54
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01G; A01G31/00; Y; Y02; Y02P; Y02P60/00; Y02P60/20; Y02P60/21
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
63 words
A process which inreases the available volume for a nutritive solution contained in a hydroponic receptacle into which at least one plant and a substratum have been placed, comprising the steps of placing hollow shells on the bottom of the receptacle to a level just above the maximum level of the nutritive solution, and covering the hollow shells with a layer of material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
63 words
A process which inreases the available volume for a nutritive solution contained in a hydroponic receptacle into which at least one plant and a substratum have been placed, comprising the steps of placing hollow shells on the bottom of the receptacle to a level just above the maximum level of the nutritive solution, and covering the hollow shells with a layer of material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
A process as defined in claim 1, wherein said material is substratum.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A process as defined in claim 1, wherein the volume of the entire unit of hollow shells is reduced by placing a casing on the bottom of the receptacle.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
62 words
A system for increasing the available volume for a nutritive solution contained in a hydroponic receptacle into which at least one plant and a substratum have been placed, comprising a plurality of hollow shells placed on the bottom of the receptacle to a level just bove the maximum level of the nutritive solution, and a layer of material covering said hollow shells.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
62 words
A system for increasing the available volume for a nutritive solution contained in a hydroponic receptacle into which at least one plant and a substratum have been placed, comprising a plurality of hollow shells placed on the bottom of the receptacle to a level just bove the maximum level of the nutritive solution, and a layer of material covering said hollow shells.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system as defined in claim 4 wherein said hollow shells are cylindrically shaped, thin-walled and have openings at each end thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system as defined in claim 5 wherein said hollow shells have an inwardly directed flange at one end and an outwardly directed flange at the opposite end.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-07-25 | 1981-01-24 | 1981-07-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-07-25 | 1985-01-24 | 1985-07-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-07-25 | 1989-01-24 | 1989-07-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |