MODULAR TANK SYSTEM
20200000051 ยท 2020-01-02
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
Y02P60/21
GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
A01G31/06
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A01G9/0295
HUMAN NECESSITIES
Y02P60/60
GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
International classification
A01G27/00
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A01K63/04
HUMAN NECESSITIES
Abstract
The present invention relates to an integral component based modular tank system comprising multiple H-supports configured for connecting two end-caps, multiple lateral bars, liners and specifically designed linear seal for forming a modular tank of a desired length, with no limitation of length. The system is configured to connect consecutive single modular tanks to two end-caps configured to terminate the modular tank system at respective ends; multiple lateral bars configured to transmit horizontal mechanical force between the two end-caps through the H-supports, multiple liners configured to hold the intended content of the tank; and multiple linear seals consisting of an outer seal and an inner seal configured to hydraulically seal the liners and the end-caps to each other. The modular tank system further comprising optional provision of installing a 3-part interlocking bar system, horizontal supporting bars and sprinkler system for utilizing the tank as integrated green house system. The modular tank system is also utilized as aquaponics system by further incorporating floating or non-floating trays, piping assembly, pump and specifically designed reliable automatic siphon. Thermal insulation panels may also be fitted between the lateral bars of the modular tank system for minimizing heat exchange between the content of the modular tank system and the outside environment.
Claims
1. An integrated and long continuous profile modular tank system, the modular tank system comprising: a) at least two or more H-supports configured for connecting end-caps, lateral bars, liners and consecutive single modular tank, elevating the tank up to a healthy working height, transmitting the weight of the modular tank system to the ground, and maintaining the mechanical integrity of the tank system; b) at least two or more end-caps configured to terminate the modular tank system at respective ends; c) lateral bars configured to transmit horizontal mechanical force between the at least two end-caps via at least two H-supports; d) one or more liners configured to hold the intended content of the modular tank system; and e) two or more linear seals consist of outer seal and inner seal configured to provide a hydraulic seal for leak-proofing the modular tank system.
2. The modular tank system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the H-support comprising pre-fabricated grooves and surface areas for holding the linear seal, the lateral bars, the locking bar, the end-caps and the liner.
3. The modular tank system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the H-support comprising holes at bottom for fastening and tighten the H-support to the ground.
4. The modular tank system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the H-support comprising holes at top end for holding the 3-part interlocking bar system and vertically stacked modular tank system.
5. The modular tank system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the end-cap comprising pre-fabricated top-end clamping connectors which locked inside the H-Support fitted with a locking bar, for transmitting lateral mechanical force to the respective H-support.
6. The modular tank system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lateral bar comprising pre-fabricated interlocking apertures fitted inside the H-support for transmitting horizontal mechanical force between the H-supports.
7. The modular tank system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the liner fitted inside the H-supports and multiple lateral bars for holding the intended content of the modular tank system.
8. The modular tank system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer seal is featured on each side as a soft rectangular linear spacer designed to space the seal between the liners and end-caps and allow flexibility of the central seal locking mechanism with the inner seal, a series of half o-ring seal, and an edge lip seal configured to seal on the liners and end-caps outer surface.
9. The modular tank system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner seal is featured on each side as a series of sealing fins and an edge lip seal to seal on the liners and end-caps inner surface.
10. The modular tank system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the single modular tank comprising at least two H-supports which are inter-connected by using multiple lateral bars; at least two end-caps; at least two outer seals; at least one liner is configured to fitted inside the supporting structure formed by at least two H-supports and multiple lateral bars; and at least two inner seals is clipped over the end-cap and liner onto the outer seals to form a linear hydraulic seal.
11. The modular tank system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein further comprising multiple thermal insulation panels installed by squeezing in between the lateral bars for reducing thermal exchange between the content in the modular tank system and the external environment.
12. The modular tank system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the modular tank system is assembled by: a) putting the outer seal on the first H-support; b) inserting the locking bar horizontally inside the horizontal rectangular groove of the H-support; c) sliding the end-cap in the first H-support with the outer seal in place by interlocking pre-fabricated top-end clamping connectors inside the grooves of the H-Support fitted with a locking bar; d) placing the second H-support, inserting multiple lateral bars between the at least two H-supports; e) placing the outer seal, the locking bar, and the end-cap in respective position with respect to the second H-support and thus forming a supporting structure; f) putting the liner in place in the supporting structure; g) clipping the at least two inner seals inside the outer seals over the liner and end-caps by applying thumb pressure over and thus forming a single hydraulically sealed modular tank; h) increasing the length of the modular tank system simply by adding one or more H-supports, the one or more outer seals, the one or more lateral bars and the one or more liner and the one or more inner seals as required between the at least two end-caps in respective positions; i) fitting the last H-support with the locking bar and the outer seal in place and sliding the second end-cap in the last H-support with outer seal in place once the desired length is reached; j) clipping at least two inner seals over the liner and end-caps inside the outer seals by applying thumb pressure over to form a hydraulically sealed modular tank system of required length and specifications.
13. The modular tank system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multiple lateral bars gets engaged in the interlocking grooves of the H-support forming a U like interlocked structure for transmitting horizontal mechanical force to the H-support.
14.-20. (canceled)
21. The modular tank system, as claimed in claim 12, wherein the multiple lateral bars gets engaged in the interlocking grooves of the H-support forming a U like interlocked structure for transmitting horizontal mechanical force to the H-support.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
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[0069] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word may and can is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words include, including, and includes mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.
[0070] As used throughout this application, the word may is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words include, including, and includes mean including but not limited to.
[0071] The phrases at least one, one or more, and and/or are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions at least one of A, B and C, at least one of A, B, or C, one or more of A, B, and C, one or more of A, B, or C and A, B, and/or C means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.
[0072] The term a or an entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms a (or an), one or more and at least one can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms comprising, including, and having can be used interchangeably.
[0073] The term automatic and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to any process or operation done without material human input when the process or operation is performed. However, a process or operation can be automatic, even though performance of the process or operation uses material or immaterial human input, if the input is received before performance of the process or operation. Human input is deemed to be material if such input influences how the process or operation will be performed. Human input that consents to the performance of the process or operation is not deemed to be material.
[0074] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
[0075]
[0076] An integral component based modular tank system 100 comprising multiple H-supports configured for connecting an end-cap, multiple lateral bars, a liner and a linear seal for forming a single modular tank and further connecting consecutive single modular tank; multiple end-caps configured to terminate the modular tank system 100 at respective ends; multiple lateral bars configured to transmit horizontal mechanical force between the H-supports, multiple liners configured to hold the intended content of the tank; and multiple linear seals consisting of an outer seal and an inner seal configured to seal the liners interacting with each other and with the end-caps.
[0077] The components used in the modular tank system 100 should be food grade if designed to be used in contact with food, and may include ABS plastic, polycarbonate, or other plastic or steel type materials or any combination thereof as conditions or specifications require. These components are injection molded, thermo molded, roto-molded, fabricated from stock on site or combined with other waterproof materials.
[0078] The modular tank system 100 offers a standardized complete component based system which can be custom ordered based on client needs, shipped anywhere in the world for assembly and can be assembled and disassembled by any novice person not requiring any expertise nor tools. The modular tank system 100 is an open tank system of unlimited length having mechanical and hydraulic integrity at any length.
[0079] The modular tank system 100 may also be stacked vertically on top of each other of any height thereof as conditions or specifications required, thereby forming a vertically stacked modular tank system 100 which can be used for any applications such as but not limited to container for storing water, as garden bench, an elevated Koi pond etc. and as FD aquaponics system.
[0080] The modular tank system 100 may be utilized for various functions associated with plant growth, including but not limited to aquaponics deep water culture beds, aquaponics flood and drain systems, aquaponics media (i.e. hydrotron or gravel) bed systems, grow beds for seedlings, green house garden, garden bench etc.
[0081] As the modular tank system 100 is easy to transport, assemble and disassemble, can also be used for other applications such as, feed troughs for farm animals, drink troughs for gigs and festivals, as an elevated koi pond etc. The modular tank system 100 may also be used as a table top like structure.
[0082] The modular tank system 100 allows full usage of bore cross section area of tank. The modular tank system 100 does not restrict the flow of water in the long and continuous profile tank as opposite to the other tanks used.
[0083]
[0084] The H-support 202 comprises pre-fabricated grooves (204, 206) for holding linear seal, lateral bars, locking bar and end-caps. The grooves 204 prefabricated in the H-support 202 provide linear mechanical support and mechanically locks the outer seal in place. The lateral bars lock in respective grooves (206) to make a rigid framework. The H-support 202 also comprises holes 208 at bottom to provide a mean to attach the modular tank system 100 to the ground or elevated if deemed necessary. The H-support 202, which is configured to connect consecutive modular tank assembly and transmits vertical forces from the liners and its content to the ground. The H-support 202 elevates the height of the modular tank system 100 to a healthy working height and provides space for piping under the modular tank system 100 for application in various industries. The H-support 202 also has a hole 210 over top of the H-support 202 for accommodating vertical supporting bars of green house and high plants frame support system. The hole 210 also acts as a locking mechanism for vertically stacking the modular tank system. The H-support 202 can be designed of any height as per needs of clients and users.
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[0086] The H-support 202 comprising a groove 204 where the outer seal 302 is inserted to form a support structure and other components to form the modular tank system 100. Further showing enlarged view of the support structure where of the outer seal is interlocked within the grooves 204 of the H-support 202. The seal 302 is pushed in place and locks into the edges provided by the H-support 202.
[0087]
[0088] The end-cap 402, which is configured to terminate the modular tank system 100 at respective ends. The end-cap 402 comprises pre-fabricated top-end clamping connectors 404, which locked inside the H-Support 202 fitted with a locking bar 406 for transmitting lateral mechanical force to the H-support 202 using 2 connectors on top and a locking bar 406 at the bottom, by simply sliding inside the H-Support 202. The end-cap 402 provides the same linear seal profile for the adjacent liner. The end-cap is light-weight for easy installation, transportation and can be customized as per the needs.
[0089]
[0090] The lateral bar 502 configured to transmit horizontal mechanical force between the H-supports 202 of the modular tank system 100. The lateral bar 502 also transmits vertical weight of the modular tank system 100 and its content to the H-support. The highly rigid lateral bars 502 maintain the integrity of the liner, which is further connected for forming the modular tank system 100. The lateral bar 502 also provides space and mechanical support for accommodating thermal insulation panels in the modular tank system 100.
[0091] The lateral bar 502 are specially designed and pre-fabricated for interlocking at both ends with the groove 206 present in the H-support 202 of the modular tank system 100.
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[0093] The supporting structure 602 is formed, by connecting the lateral bars 502 in between the H-supports 202, integrated with the outer seal 302 and the end-cap 402. The multiple lateral bars 502 are inserted in especially designed grooves 206 present in both the H-supports 202 to form an interlocked linkage between the H-supports 202. The supporting structure 602 formed can be further connected to each other in series to form a long and continuous table top like structure. The supporting structure 602 is further connected to other components to form the modular tank system 100.
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[0095] The liner 702 is specially fabricated to accommodate the intended content of the modular tank system 100. The liner 702 provides a linear profile designed to accommodate the linear seal. The liners 702 are specially designed in such a way that they are stackable inside each other to optimize transportation process by minimizing total volume. The liner 702 can be manufactured in various sizes as per the requirements.
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[0097] The single modular tank 800 as shown in
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[0099] Multiple lateral bars 502 are inserted in specially designed grooves 206 present in the H-support 202 and further connected to the single modular tank 800, as shown in
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[0101] The linear seal 1000 is flexible and self-adjusting two part seal consists of the outer seal 302 and the inner seal 802, which is designed for sealing two flat surfaces. The linear seal 1000 consists of the outer seal 302 and the inner seal 802, configured to fit in the H-supports 202 and assure hydraulic seal between two liners 702 or between an end-cap 402 and a liner 702.
[0102] The outer seal 302 is featuring a female mechanical connector designed to connect to the male inner seal connector, a set of half o-ring soft seals and a soft edge lip seal designed to seal on the outside surface of liner 702 or an end cap 402. The outer seal 302 also features flexible rubber on each sides of the female connector designed to space two liners 702 or an end-cap 402 and a liner 702.
[0103] The inner seal 802 features as multiple soft fin seals and an edge lip seal designed to seal on the inner surface of a liner 702 or an end-cap 402. The inner seal 802 features a central male part that is designed to lock inside the outer seal female central part and maintain the two parts of the seal strongly mechanically connected together.
[0104] The fin-connectors of the outer and inner seal mechanical male and female connectors locks together linearly under thumb pressure. The self-adjusting soft rubber material of the half o-rings, fins, and edge lips seals featured in the outer seal 302 and inner seal 802 are designed to accommodate the sealing surface irregularities of the liner 702 and the end-cap 402. The linear seal 1000 is flexible enough for accommodating the radius of the H-support 202, the liner 702 and the end-cap 402. The self-adjusting and flexible linear seal 1000 can be designed for any thickness. The linear seal 1000 is designed to be versatile and flexible that the linear seal 1000 could be used in any other applications ensuring linear hydraulic sealing between two flat surfaces.
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[0106] The H-support 202, the outer seal 302, the end-cap 402 and the inner seal 802 forms an interlocked sealed assembly assuring mechanical and hydraulic integrity and thus, providing the leak-proof modular tank system 100. The back side of the outer seal 302 is firstly lined up inside the H-support 202, then the locking bar 406 and the end-cap 402 is inserted in respective grooves. The inner seal 802 is placed above the outer seal 302 which provides external hydraulic seal using the self-adjusting flexible half rubber o-rings and edge lip seal in the outer seal 302. Further, the sealing fins and edge lip seal featured in the inner seal 802 forms a hydraulic sealing assembly with a liner 702 or an end-cap 402.
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[0108] The self-adjusting flexible half rubber o-rings and edge lip seal featured in the outer seal 302 and the self-adjusting flexible fins and edge lip seal featured in the inner seal 802 fit inside in the space provided for the outer seal 302 and the inner seal 802 in the liner 702. The liner 702 gets fitted within the rectangular linear spacer of the outer seal 302 and edge lip seal featured in the inner seal 802. The inner seal 802 features a central male part that is designed to lock inside the outer seal female central part and maintain the two parts of the seal strongly mechanically clip together to form an interlocked joined structure maintaining mechanical and hydraulic integrity of the modular tank system 100.
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[0110] Embodiment in accordance with the present invention and referring to
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[0112] Embodiment in accordance with the present invention and referring to
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[0114] The modular tank system 100 used as an integrated green house system for supporting growth of the tall plants comprising modular tank system 100, 3-part interlocking bar system and supporting bars. The 3-part interlocking bar system comprising vertical supporting bar 1402, transversal supporting bar 1404 and lateral supporting bar 1408 interlocked with each other forming an integral mechanical green house supporting structure supporting plastic film and mechanical support for plants. The vertical supporting bar 1402 is inserted in the H-support 202 of the modular tank system 100. Further, the transversal supporting bar 1404 is attached with the vertical supporting bar 1402 and the lateral supporting bar 1406 is further attached to the vertical supporting bar 1402 and the transversal supporting bar 1404 and thus, forming the 3-part interlocking bar system. The lateral supporting bar 1406 is also provided with the holes for inserting other supporting bars and sprinkler pipe to provide further support to the green house supporting structure. The numbers of the vertical supporting bar 1402, transversal supporting bar 1404, lateral supporting bar 1406 of the 3-part interlocking bar system is decided as per the length of the modular tank system 100.
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[0116] The 3-part interlocking bar system comprising the vertical supporting bar 1402, the transversal supporting bar 1404 and the lateral supporting bar 1406 interlocked with each other forming an integral mechanical green house supporting structure supporting growth of plants. Further analyzing the detailed view of the vertical supporting bar 1402 of the 3-part interlocking bar system, it is comprehend that the vertical supporting bar 1402 comprises an interlocking groove at its top end at which the transversal supporting bar 1402 gets interlocked via its interlocking aperture and further, the lateral supporting bar 1406 is attached at the interlocking structure formed by the vertical supporting bar 1402 and the transversal supporting bar 1404. The vertical supporting bar 1402, the transversal supporting bar 1404 and the lateral supporting bar 1406 of the 3-part interlocking bar system forms an interlocked structure at the respective points of attachment of the green house supporting structure.
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[0119] The modular tank system 100 is fitted with multiple thermal insulation panels' 1702 preventing heat exchange between the content of the tank and the atmosphere, maintaining the content of the tank at constant temperature.
[0120] In exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the modular tank system 100 is utilized for raising aquatic animals such as but not limited to fish, snails, crayfish or prawns for the aquaponics system. Depending on the climate where the aquaponics system is located, and the type of aquatic animals being raised, it may be necessary to maintain the temperature of the water in the modular tank system 100. The multiple thermal insulation panels 1702 are inserted in the modular tank system 100 to provide a thermal insulation preventing a temperature variation of the fluid contained in the modular tank system 100. The more effective the insulation, the easier it is to maintain a consistent temperature of the water in the modular tank system 100. In cold environment, the thermal insulation reduces the energy costs otherwise incurred in heating the water. The temperature range for the best overall production and least stress of aquatic animals is between about 78 to 80 degrees F. In this restricted temperature range, the aquatic animals eat the greatest amount of food and convert it to protein with little or no stress. If the temperature is too high, the oxygen requirements go up dramatically, and if the temperature is too low, the aquatic animals slow down and do not convert food into protein efficiently.
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[0122] By perusing the
[0123] The number or thickness of the thermal insulation panels 1702 depends entirely on the requirement of the user and area of application of modular tank system 100. The size of the thermal insulation panels 1702 depends on the size of lateral bars 502 and distance between the two lateral bars 502.
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[0125] The non-floating trays 1902 are self-supporting trays, which are mechanically supported by the modular tank system 100. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the modular tank system 100 utilized as aquaponics system for growing plants, vegetables etc. The non-floating trays 1902, by mechanically supporting the pots independently of the water level, enables an adjustable oxygenating air gap on the top roots of the growing plants close to the pots, also keeping the pots dry. The water level in the modular tank system 100 is regulated, by adjusting the length of the draining standpipe 2102. The non floating trays 1902 which are designed for growing different types of plants according to plants size and type of plants grown such as but not limited to vegetables, green leafy vegetables, long plants, fruits etc. The non-floating trays 1902 can be designed with various density and size of holes, and also can be filled with growing media for supporting the growth of the plants. The several types of non floating trays 1902 designed are low density non floating trays, high density non floating trays, non floating trays for big plants, non floating trays for solid media and universal non floating trays designed for holding a flat board configured as required for any specific plant holding technique.
[0126] The non-floating tray 1902 featuring holes to hold pots may be manufactured based on the size of the plants the user aims to grow. In high density (a lot of holes closed to each other) or in low density for more space between plants. It can also be designed to hold grow media such as gravel or hydroton. The modular tank system 100 is also compatible with other types of trays such as floating trays.
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[0128] The non-floating trays 1902 trays are placed on top of the liner 702 of the modular tank system 100. Detailed view of
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[0130] Embodiment in accordance with the present invention and referring to
[0131] The piping assembly consist of outer pipe 2102 which is configured to carry return water from the modular tank system 100 holding plants to the second modular tank 100 used for raising aquatic animals and inlet pipe 2104 configured to carry filtered water from the modular tank 100 used for raising aquatic animals to the modular tank system 100 holding plants for providing nutrients for growing the plants.
[0132] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the modular tank system 100 utilized as the media filled aquaponics system for growing fruiting plants is described herein. The seedlings are placed in trays on the modular tank system 100. The water from the second modular tank 100 configured for raising aquatic animals is directly transferred to the modular tank system 100 configured to hold plants through the inlet pipe 2104 of the piping assembly and excess water is carried out through the outlet pipe 2102 and again re-circulated.
[0133] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the modular tank system 100 is utilized as the DWC aquaponics system for growing herbs and leafy green vegetables with bigger root systems and fruiting varieties. In DWC aquaponics system, the plants are held in holes in non-floating trays 1902 and their roots are dangled down into the water filled in the modular tank system 100 configured for holding plants. The water from the second modular tank 100 configured for raising aquatic animals is firstly filtered through filtration system such as but not limited to mechanical filters, bio filters etc., to remove any solid wastes and the filtered water is pumped continuously to the modular tank system 100 configured for holding the plants. The pump 2106 further supplies filtered water through the inlet pipe 2104 to the modular tank system 100 configured for holding plants filled with supporting media such as but not limited to expanded clay pebbles, gravel, perlite, hydroton etc. Further, the excess water is carried out through the outlet pipe 2102 and again re-circulated in the DWC aquaponics system.
[0134] The aquaponics system also further comprising an optional provision for installing the 3-part interlocking bar system comprising vertical supporting bar 1402, transversal supporting bar 1404 and lateral supporting bar 1406 and for supporting the growth of tall plants and providing strength to growing tall plants. The sprinkler pipe 1602 and other supporting bars 1604 can also be optionally installed in aquaponics system for supplying water to the growing plants.
[0135]
[0136] The piping assembly comprising outlet pipe 2102 interconnecting both the modular tank system 100 of the aquaponics system. The outlet pipe 2102 is configured to carry excess water from the modular tank system 100 configured to hold the plants.
[0137] The inlet pipe 2104 of the piping assembly interconnects both the modular tank system 100 of the aquaponics system. The inlet pipe is configured to carry filtered water pumped through pump to the modular tank system 100 configured to hold the plants of the aquaponics system. The inlet pipe 2104 is installed beneath the modular tank system 100 configured to hold the plants and clamped at respective H-support 202 of the modular tank system 100 configured to hold the plants and further inserted to the modular tank system 100 configured to hold the plants through the end-cap 402 adapted to secure the inlet pipe 2104 of the piping assembly.
[0138] In order to maintain constant water flow between and maintaining predetermined water level in both the modular tank system 100, the water can be periodically exchanged by continuously supplying the constant flow of filtered water from the inlet pipe into the modular tank system 100 configured for holding the plants and discharging excess water through the outlet pipe 2102 of the piping assembly and then further again filtered and re-circulated between both the modular tank system 100.
[0139]
[0140] The end-cap 402 or the liner 702 of the modular tank system 100 may be modified for receiving the outlet pipe 2102 of the piping assembly or the automatic siphon. An elbow connects this outlet pipe 2102 to a straight vertical portion or a stand pipe whose length can be adjusted to control the water level in the tank as described in
[0141] Further considering the
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[0143] The end-cap 402 of the modular tank system 100 contains the openings for inserting the inlet pipe 2104 which may be in form of holes, perforations, aperture, cleft etc. for receiving the inlet pipe 2104 of the piping assembly.
[0144]
[0145] Embodiment in accordance with the present invention and referring to
[0146] Further, the first modular tank system 100 configured for holding the plants is modified for utilizing as the flood and drain aquaponics system. The liner 702 of the first modular tank system 100 must contain an opening for holding the automatic siphon 2602. The opening in the liner 702 may be a hole, circular opening and rounded opening for retaining the automatic siphon 2602.
[0147] Further, the inlet pipe 2104 of the piping assembly configured for interconnecting and circulating water between the two modular tank systems 100 is installed beneath the H-support 202 of the modular tank system 100 and clamped at respective H-support for securing and retaining the inlet pipe 2104 of the piping assembly in place.
[0148] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the modular tank system 100 is utilized as the flood and drain (FD) aquaponics system is described herein in detail. The first and second modular tank systems 100 are vertically stacked. The first modular tank system 100 configured for holding plants is filled with supporting medium such as but not limited to hydroton, gravels, perlite, expanded clay pebbles, peat moss, pea gravel, coconut coir etc. and the automatic siphon 2602 is inserted in the liner 702 of the first modular tank system 100 in communication with the second modular tank system 100 configured for raising aquatic animals. The height of the automatic siphon 2602 can be adjusted according to the depth of the first modular tank system 100 configured for holding the plants and height of the support medium. Further, the pump 2106 installed in the second modular tank 100 configured for raising aquatic animals, pumps water continuously which is further transferred to the first modular tank system 100 configured for holding the plants. When the water level reaches to the pre-determined level in the first modular tank system 100 configured for holding plants, the water starts draining through the drain pipe of the automatic siphon 2602 in the second modular tank 100 configured for raising aquatic animals. The flood and drain cycle of water repeats itself depending upon the water required for the growing plants and the water level is maintained and regulated by the automatic siphon 2602.
[0149] The solid support medium serves the dual purposes of providing structure for plant roots to grow in and surface area allowing proliferation of aerobic nitrifying bacteria, which are essential for converting nitrogen in the effluent to forms suited to the plants' nutrient uptake. This alternation between flooding and draining process in the modular tank system ensures that the plants have both fresh nutrients and adequate airflow in the root zone. This replenishes the oxygen levels for plants and bacteria. It also ensures that enough moisture is in the support medium at all times so the bacteria can thrive in their optimum conditions.
[0150] The automatic siphon 2602 extends between the vertically stacked modular tank systems 100. It is also clear that the excess water from the first modular tank system 100 configured for holding plants is drained out through the drain pipe in the second modular tank system 100 for raising the aquatic animals.
[0151]
[0152] The automatic siphon 2602 comprising collector 2702 configured to collect water flowing in the modular tank system 100; locking screw 2704 configured for retaining floater 2706 in place, during filling process of the modular tank system 100, the floater 2706 configured to move up as water filled up in the modular tank system 100, plunger 2708 configured for controlling the closing and opening of the floater 2706 during filling and draining processes, sealing mechanical assembly 2710 configured for retaining the floater in place, protecting sleeve 2712 configured for protecting the floater 2706 from the support medium such as but not limited to gravel, clay etc. and allowing free movement of the floater 2706 and the drain pipe 2714 configured for draining water from the collector 2702 when water level in the automatic siphon 2602 reaches to a predetermined level.
[0153] The automatic siphon 2602 can be utilized in any other applications requiring regulation of level of water or in place of traditionally used siphon for regulating the level of water.
[0154]
[0155] The functioning of the automatic siphon 2602 is sub-divided in four phases: 1) Filling Up; 2) Switching at top fluid level; 3) Draining; and 4) Switching at bottom fluid level.
[0156] During the filling phase of the first modular tank system 100 configured for holding plants, the floater 2706 is empty and floats in the collector 2702 of the automatic siphon 2602. The plunger 2708 closes the floater 2706 opening, as the bottom end of the floater 2706 is not touching the bottom end of the collector 2702. Further, as the fluid starts filling in the first modular tank system 100 configured for holding plants, the floater 2706 and plunger 2708 of the automatic siphon 2602 moves upwards slowly.
[0157] During the second phase of functioning of the automatic siphon 2602, when the level of the water reaches to the maximum pre-determined level it switches off at the top fluid level. When the first modular tank system 100 is entirely filled with water and reaches to the maximum pre-determined level, the floater 2706 reaches at the top position of the collector 2702 and the locking screw 2704 closes down the upward movement of the floater 2706 and the plunger 2708. The sealing mechanical assembly 2710 blocks upward movement of the floater 2706 by attaching with the locking screw 2704 of the automatic siphon 2602.
[0158] During the third phase of functioning of the automatic siphon 2602 when the excess water is to be drained is the draining position. The floater 2706 sinks and dropped to its lower position. The plunger 2708 opens up the opening of the floater 2706 and the water starts flowing down through the floater 2706 from the first modular tank system 100. The plunger 2708 touches the bottom end of the collector 2702 and the excess water drains outs through the drain pipe 2714 of the automatic siphon 2602. The protecting sleeve 2712 forces water to pass through bottom section of the modular tank system 100 allowing a proper cleaning of the modular tank system 100.
[0159] During the fourth phase of functioning of the automatic siphon 2602 that is when excess water is drained out and water level reaches to minimum pre-determined level. The water level in the first modular tank system 100 has dropped below the top part of the floater 2706; the plunger 2708 again closes down the opening of the floater 2706.
[0160] The foregoing discussion of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the present invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the present invention are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects, for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, or aspects of the present invention may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the present invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0161] Moreover, though the description of the present invention has included descriptions of one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects, and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications that are within the scope of the present invention, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects, to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.