Apparatus and method for watering a houseplant
US7222454B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 19, 2004 |
| Grant date | May 29, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 1, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01G27/003
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automated plant watering device and method of watering for use with any existing planter 20 wherein a digital timer 12 is used to set the days, times and duration of watering for the associated plant 14. The water 26 is transferred from a reservoir 18 to the soil in the planter 20 via a small submersible pump 28 disposed within the reservoir. A sensor 16 disposed within the reservoir 18 detects a low water condition and activates a visual 34 and/or audible 36 alarm to alert the user that the reservoir needs to be refilled. An auxiliary reservoir 38 may be used to feed the primary reservoir 18 via a siphon hose 42 when the caretaker anticipates being absent for a prolonged period and would be unable to refill the reservoir when needed. An additional element of the present invention includes an aerator 40 that will emit a fine mist to the leaves of the plant during the winter months. An additional element of the present invention is a splitter 45 to water multiple planters.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.