Opening apparatus for use with a multi-piece, hinged, hydroponic tower
US11951610B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 5, 2019 |
| Grant date | Apr 9, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 25, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P60/21
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A tower opening apparatus is provided that is configured to simplify the opening of a multi-piece, hinged, hydroponic tower. The hydroponic tower opening apparatus utilizes a collection of static and continuously moving components (e.g., motor driven drive rollers, alignment rollers, stationary wedges, longitudinal ramps, etc.) to open a hydroponic tower as it passes through the apparatus. In particular, as the tower is driven through the opening apparatus, the fastener(s) holding the face plate(s) to the tower body is released by a wedge(s). After the fastener(s) is released, the face plate(s) is partially rotated about the tower body, thereby partially opening the tower cavity(s). Next a longitudinal ramp(s) continues to rotate the face plate(s) relative to the tower body, moving the face plate(s) to a fully open position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.