US4041641A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Process of growing plants within an enclosure
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1975-08-08
•
Granted: 1977-08-16
•
Expires: 1995-08-08
Abstract
Abstract A process for growing plants within a solar-heated enclosure through the use of a pool of water upon which containers are floated and moved beneath a light source. The pool of water provides support for the plants, facilitates their movement, and provides thermal mass for storage of solar heat.
Inventors
- 👤 Albert Louis Dietz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 07:25
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01G; A01G9/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
86 words
A novel growing unit comprising a walled enclosure, a predetermined portion of said enclosure being transparent to solar light, a circular water tank within said enclosure adapted to absorb said light and thereby provide a heat sink, a plurality of plant containers floating on the surface of said tank, and means extending from the exterior of said enclosure to the tank surface and being adapted to move said containers through a 360° path, at least a portion of which exposes said containers to the solar light.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
86 words
A novel growing unit comprising a walled enclosure, a predetermined portion of said enclosure being transparent to solar light, a circular water tank within said enclosure adapted to absorb said light and thereby provide a heat sink, a plurality of plant containers floating on the surface of said tank, and means extending from the exterior of said enclosure to the tank surface and being adapted to move said containers through a 360° path, at least a portion of which exposes said containers to the solar light.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
71 words
A growing unit as in claim 1, wherein said means to move said containers comprises a powered vertical member rotatably mounted substantially centrally in said tank, and having a laterally extending member attached thereto at a first end, there being a float attached to a second end of said lateral member, whereupon rotation of said vertical member urges said lateral member against said containers to move the same in said path.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A growing unit as in claim 2, wherein said vertical member is powered by connection thereof to a windmill.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
A growing unit as in claim 2, wherein said vertical member is powered by connection thereof to a water wheel.
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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) | 1980-08-15 | 1981-02-14 | 1981-08-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-08-15 | 1985-02-14 | 1985-08-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-08-15 | 1989-02-14 | 1989-08-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |