Carlton R Morris

US Patent:

48604909, Aug 29, 1989

Filed:

Feb 16, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/156013

Inventors:

Carlton E. Morris - Tuskegee Institute AL
Philip A. Loretan - Tuskegee Institute AL
Conrad K. Bonsi - Tuskegee Institute AL
Walter A. Hill - Tuskegee University AL

Assignee:

Tuskegee University - Tuskegee AL

International Classification:

A01G 3100

US Classification:

47 63

Abstract:

A hydroponic system for growing sweet potatoes and other root and tuber crops includes a growing channel incorporating a movable root contact/pressure plate assembly. The assembly consists of a flat, rigid PVC plate in which holes for inserting plants are drilled and a flexible vinyl film which is secured along the length of each side edge of the plate, by means of pressure fit connectors. The assembly is secured to the top edges of a growing channel, again by pressure fit connectors. The flexible film suspends the plate near and parallel to the bottom of the growing channel, with the flexibility of the film allowing upward movement of the plate within the channel as the plant roots grow. The assembly provides contact and pressure to the plant roots inside the growing channel thereby promoting enlargement of the roots. This enlargement causes the assembly to move upwardly, thereby maintaining the desired pressure conditions during growth.

US Patent:

52168360, Jun 8, 1993

Filed:

Jun 27, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/371620

Inventors:

Carlton E. Morris - Tuskegee AL
Philip A. Loretan - Tuskegee AL
Conrad K. Bonsi - Tuskegee AL
Walter A. Hill - Tuskegee AL

Assignee:

Tuskegee University - Tuskegee AL

International Classification:

A01G 3102

US Classification:

47 62

Abstract:

A hydroponic system for growing sweet potatoes and other root and tuber crops includes a growing channel incorporating a movable root contact/pressure plate assembly. The assembly consists of a flat, rigid PVC plate in which holes for inserting plants are drilled and a flexible vinyl film which is secured along the length of each side edge of the plate, by means of pressure fit connectors. The assembly is secured to the top edges of a growing channel, again by pressure fit connectors. The flexible film suspends the plate near and parallel to the bottom of the growing channel, with the flexibility of the film allowing upward movement of the plate within the channel as the plant roots grow. The assembly provides contact and pressure to the plant roots inside the growing channel thereby promoting enlargement of the roots. This enlargement causes the assembly to move upwardly, thereby maintaining the desired pressure conditions during growth.