Patent · US Active

Cleaning apparatus for use with a plant support tower

US11723328B2 · kind B2 · utility

3Cited by
49References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 8, 2019
Grant dateAug 15, 2023
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 4, 2041

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02P60/21
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A hydroponic tower cleaning and debris removal system is provided that is configured to automatically clean and remove plant and material debris from within a hinged, hydroponic tower as well as the plant containers contained within such a hydroponic tower. The hydroponic tower cleaning system utilizes a drive system to force the tower through the apparatus; an alignment system to ensure that the tower remains in proper alignment throughout the cleaning process; a brush system that initiates separation of plant debris from the tower/plant containers and ensures that the plant roots are torn apart; a plunger system to eject plant debris from within the plant containers; an air delivery system to blow away the debris; and rollers to maintain tower face alignment during the cleaning process.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.