Plant husbandry – Receptacle for growing medium – Irrigator
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-18
2001-11-27
Jordan, Charles T. (Department: 3644)
Plant husbandry
Receptacle for growing medium
Irrigator
Reexamination Certificate
active
06321487
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to systems for automatically replacing moisture in a plant growth medium such as soil or sand.
2. The Prior Art
It is well known that the successful growth of certain types of plants requires rooting in a growth medium, e.g., soil or sand, which is kept constantly moist. In order to maintain the moisture level in such growth mediums, systems have been developed which will automatically convey moisture from a reservoir to the growth medium. However, such known systems have in some instances been complicated and expensive, or else fail to deliver the proper amount of moisture to maintain the moisture level in the growth medium at the desired level.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a growth medium moisture replacement system which will satisfy these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a first variation present invention, a moisture replacement system includes a first container containing a plant growth medium such as soil or sand, an enclosed second container containing water, and a wick which extends upwardly from the water in the second container into the growth medium in the first container so as to wick moisture upwardly therethrough and into the growth medium, i.e., after establishment of a hydraulic gradient.
In accordance with a second variation of the present invention, a moisture replacement system includes a first container containing water, a second container containing a plant growth medium such as soil or sand, and a wick which extends first upwardly in the first container and then downwardly into the growth medium in the second container so as to supply moisture thereto.
Further features and advantages of the invention will be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings taken in conjunction with the ensuing discussion.
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Atkins Thomas W.
Kenworthy William J.
Sardanelli Sandra
Dykema Gossett PLLC
Jordan Charles T.
Palo Francis T.
University of Maryland
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