Daniel James Rivest

US Patent:

50106864, Apr 30, 1991

Filed:

Apr 20, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/512154

Inventors:

Daniel J. Rivest - Mill Valley CA

International Classification:

A01G 3100

US Classification:

47 62

Abstract:

A hydroponic system includes a channel-like trough formed of parallel side walls and an orthogonal bottom wall defining an upwardly opening coffer. A pair of oblique walls extend integrally from a medial portion of the bottom wall to respective medial portions of the side walls to define a V-shaped bottom in the interior of the trough. The oblique walls also strengthen the channel structure, and define with the bottom wall and side walls two closed longitudinal flow spaces extending the length of the trough. A pair of end caps are sealed to the ends of the trough, sealing the longitudinal flow spaces and forming a liquid retaining container. A longitudinally extending cover panel is configured to snap-engage the upper edges of the side walls of the trough. The cover panel is provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced plant holes, and a plurality of plant supporting members are dimensioned to be supported in the plant holes. The plant holes that are not used are capped or plugged, so that there is no evaporation from the coffer, and no light to promote algae growth.