Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
An installation for the hydroponic cultivation of vegetables in the form of plants, comprising: at least one column consisting of a plurality of bottomless hollow containers 1 inserted one into another and provided with suitable apertures 4 into which the plants are inserted; means 8, 9 for supporting the column of containers in a vertical position by engaging each container individually, and arranged to raise or lower said column; means 14, 15 for spraying at the top of the column a nutrient liquid of known type as usually used in hydroponic cultivation; basin-type support means 17 for collecting said liquid at the base of each column, and at the same time supporting this latter; manifold means 19 for the liquid and pumping means 20 for its recycling.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
127 words
An installation for the hydroponic cultivation of vegetables in the form of plants, comprising: at least one column consisting of a plurality of bottomless hollow containers 1 inserted one into another and provided with suitable apertures 4 into which the plants are inserted; means 8, 9 for supporting the column of containers in a vertical position by engaging each container individually, and arranged to raise or lower said column; means 14, 15 for spraying at the top of the column a nutrient liquid of known type as usually used in hydroponic cultivation; basin-type support means 17 for collecting said liquid at the base of each column, and at the same time supporting this latter; manifold means 19 for the liquid and pumping means 20 for its recycling.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
82 words
An installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein each container 1 constituting the column consists of a central cylindrical portion 2 having any cross-section, an upper flared portion 3 comprising outwardly projecting lips 4 in its edge, a lower tapered portion 5 comprising inwardly extending depressions 6 which are aligned axially with the overlying outwardly extending lips, the depressions and lips corresponding with each other when one container is partly inserted into the other, to form an aperture for inserting the plant.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
An installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein each container carries a fixed resilient tongue 8 on its central cylindrical portion, for clamping to a cable 9.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
An installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein each container has two opposing hooks 88 fixed to its outside on the diameter orthogonal to the diameter comprising the clamp, for fixing a mesh 27 for supporting the fruit and the foliage of the plants.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
83 words
An installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for vertically supporting, raising or lowering each column of containers consist of an endless cable 9 extending between suitable pulleys and comprising at least one vertical portion having a length greater than the axial dimension of the column, and to which all the containers 1 are individually clamped by means of the respective resilient tongues 8, there being provided winch means 25 on the cable to move it and lock it in position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
135 words
An improved method for vegetable cultivation in a cultivation installation as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, and as heretofore described, comprising the following operations: inserting one or more plants at the highest level of a column traversed by percolating liquid cultivation nutrient; allowing a number of days to pass equal to the number of days of the cultivation and maturation cycle for the fruit divided by the number of cultivation levels or superimposed containers in the column; removing the lowest container of the column; lowering the column through one level; inserting an empty container into the top of the column; inserting the next new plants; repeating the operation until the first container full of plants is at the base of the column with the plants mature; proceeding with the cycle indefinitely.