Plant growing apparatus

Abstract

A compact plant growing apparatus includes a stator housing and a rotatable drum fitted within it, each having a base and peripheral wall, and open at a front side for access. The drum retains plant pods and rotates to pass the pods through a pool formed beneath a rear region of the drum. A light source illuminates the interior. A water tank arranged behind the stator housing maintains the pool using hydrostatic pressure differential without pumps. The arrangement supports simple, autonomous plant growth suitable for indoor or countertop environments.

Description

Plant Growing ApparatusField of the Invention

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to plant cultivation systems and, more particularly, to compact, automated plant growing apparatuses incorporating a rotating drum and passive water replenishment for domestic or countertop use.Background of the Invention

[0002] The practice of cultivating plants in controlled or semi-controlled environments has become increasingly prevalent in both residential and commercial contexts. In domestic applications, particularly, the popularity of indoor gardening has grown in response to constraints such as limited outdoor space, variable climate conditions, and the desire for convenient access to fresh herbs and vegetables. Indoor plant cultivation allows individuals to grow a variety of plant species year-round, irrespective of seasonal or climatic changes.

[0003] However, conventional indoor growing methods typically require ongoing manual attention to ensure that plants receive appropriate amounts of water, light, and ventilation. Manual watering systems are susceptible to human error, such as under-watering, over-watering, or inconsistent scheduling, all of which can negatively impact plant health. Similarly, achieving optimal lighting conditions indoors often involves the use of fixed-position lamps or window placement, which may not provide uniform or adjustable light exposure. Inconsistent lighting can result in leggy or stunted growth, particularly in photosensitive plants.

[0004] Efforts to automate these aspects of plant care have led to a variety of horticultural technologies and devices. Many of these rely on pumps, timers, and fixed irrigation networks to distribute water or nutrients. While effective in larger installations, these systems can be cumbersome, costly, and overengineered for compact domestic applications. Furthermore, systems with multiple actuators or components often require frequent maintenance and may suffer from decreased reliability over time.

[0005] Additionally, solutions involving rotating or dynamic plant arrangements have emerged, aiming to optimise exposure to light and facilitate even growth. These systems are often complex or industrial in scale, limiting their accessibility for household users. There remains a need for simplified, space-efficient solutions capable of integrating key growth functions — such as hydration and illumination — into a compact and automated unit, particularly suited for placement in kitchens or small indoor spaces. Such a solution would ideally provide intuitive access to growing plants, accommodate diverse plant types with differing care requirements, and minimise the need for user intervention through passive or low-energy mechanisms.Summary of the Disclosure

[0006] There is disclosed a plant growing apparatus comprising a stator housing having a base wall and a peripheral wall, and a rotor drum rotatably engaged within the stator housing. The rotor drum also includes a base wall and a peripheral wall configured to fit within the corresponding base and peripheral walls of the stator housing. The peripheral wall of the rotor drum supports pods that are configured to securely retain plant growing media for cultivating plants as the rotor drum rotates within the stator housing.

[0007] A light source is disposed within the rotor drum and is configured to illuminate the plants, thereby facilitating plant growth in low-light or enclosed environments. Both the stator housing and the rotor drum have open ends that face toward a front of the apparatus, providing open access to the rotor drum and the plants retained therein during rotation. This frontal accessibility improves usability for domestic or countertop applications, allowing easy inspection, harvesting, or replacement of individual plant pods without disassembling the apparatus.

[0008] The stator housing and rotor drum are oriented such that their respective peripheral walls are angled upward toward the front of the apparatus. This angular orientation defines a pool beneath a rear region of the rotor drum, allowing water to collect under gravitational influence. The resulting pool forms a passive pool for hydrating the plant pods as they pass through the water during rotation.

[0009] A water tank is arranged behind the base wall of the stator housing and is positioned to define a water level elevated relative to the pool. The apparatus is configured to replenish the pool from the water tank using hydrostatic pressure differential alone, thereby allowing water to flow into the pool as needed without requiring active pumping components. The pool is maintained at a level that prevents overflow through a gap defined at the front edges of the peripheral walls at the lower region.

[0010] The configuration of concentrically nested enclosures, angled geometry for passive pooling, and pump-free water replenishment provides a compact and mechanically simple apparatus that is particularly suited for indoor or countertop use. The rotating drum design facilitates even hydration, while the open front and integrated light source support ease of use and consistent plant development.

[0011] The rotor drum may define a rotational axis that is inclined upwardly toward the front of the apparatus with respect to horizontal. This inclined orientation encourages water to collect under gravity at a rear portion of the stator housing, forming a stable and contained pool that improves the consistency of hydration and visibility of the plants from the front.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the rotor drum may include a concentrically arranged gear, with rotation driven by an electric motor acting through a meshed gear arrangement. This gearing allows for controlled rotation of the drum and facilitates the timed passage of the plant pods through the water pool. The motor may be governed by a controller, which may be operable to regulate motor speed, timing, and direction. Preferably, the controller is capable of wireless communication with an external electronic device, such as a smartphone, from which users can transmit configuration settings and plant-specific care instructions.

[0013] Rotation of the drum may be adjusted in accordance with pre-set or sensed conditions. For example, the controller may vary the rate of rotation or pause the drum to extend the time a given pod remains in the pool. This dwell time adjustment may be user-specified or determined automatically based on plant type, which may be input manually, selected from a menu, or identified via image analysis. A usermight capture an image of a plant using a paired device, with the image processed to identify the plant type and configure watering accordingly. Moisture sensors associated with individual pods may also be used to monitor local hydration, with the controller adjusting rotation based on detected dryness or saturation levels to better manage water uptake by each plant.

[0014] The internal light source may be supported coaxially on a stem within the rotor drum and may include a light element located at a distal free end. The light element may be rearwardly oriented and optionally shielded by a plate to prevent forward glare and concentrate illumination onto the growing region. A radial array of light emitters may be mounted on a conical surface, allowing light to be directed outwardly and evenly across all plant pods. The light source may be capable of emitting light of different frequencies or intensities, and in some examples, the controller may regulate spectral content or brightness based on plant type or growth phase. A plurality of fixed-position light elements may be independently controllable, allowing specific lighting profiles to be applied to different zones of the rotating drum as pods move through the illumination field.

[0015] Water level within the pool may be monitored by a sensor, which may be used to regulate the delivery of water from the elevated tank. A valve — preferably gravity- fed and solenoid-actuated — may open to allow replenishment of the pool when the water level drops below a defined threshold. In this arrangement, no pump is required; water flows under gravity alone due to the elevation of the tank relative to the pool. The tank may be removable for refilling and may include a secondary level sensor to detect when the stored volume is low. When such a condition is detected, a visual indicator — such as an illuminated icon — may alert the user that refilling is required.

[0016] The rotor drum may support multiple removable plant pods arranged about its inner periphery. Each pod may be magnetically retained within the drum, allowing easy removal and reinstallation without the need for mechanical latching. The pods may comprise a backing and a cover between which growing media is held. Preferably, the growing media is a fertiliser-infused substrate positioned such that only a rear portion is exposed to the pool, enabling capillary watering as the podrotates through the water. Openings in the cover allow plants to emerge and grow without obstruction, and may extend to the rear edge of the pod to allow the cover to be removed without damaging the plant.

[0017] The pod cover may be magnetically or slidably attachable to the backing, and the backing may be contoured to match the curvature of the rotor drum for a secure fit. A handling flange may be provided to assist in manual removal. To promote germination, a transparent dome may be attached to the pod to enclose the growing media, creating a humid microclimate. The dome may include a vent to allow some airflow and discourage mould formation.

[0018] Each pod may further include a computer-readable identifier — such as a QR code, barcode, or RFID tag — storing information about the plant type or care preferences. The identifier may be read by a user device or the apparatus itself, enabling the controller to associate the pod with a predefined set of lighting, watering, and rotation parameters tailored to the specific plant being cultivated.

[0019] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0021] Figure 1 shows a rear perspective view of outer and inner enclosures of a plant growing apparatus.

[0022] Figure 2 shows a rear view of the apparatus with a water tank removed.

[0023] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an internal enclosure configured to retain plant pods removed from the outer housing.

[0024] Figure 4 shows a front perspective view of the internal rotor drum withing the outer housing.

[0025] Figure 5 is a vertical side cross-section showing the apparatus in use.

[0026] Figure 6 is a vertical side cross-section showing an electric motor and gearing assembly.

[0027] Figure 7 shows plant pods inserted into the rotor drum.

[0028] Figure 8 shows the a dome used to cover plant pods.

[0029] Figure 9 shows a plant pod removed from the rotor drum.

[0030] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a plant pod in more detail.

[0031] Figure 11 shows the plant part of Figure 10 with its cover removed.

[0032] Figure 12 shows a rear perspective view of a motor drive system engaging the rotor drum.

[0033] Figure 13 shows a thermally dissipative light source assembly with ventilation.Description of Embodiments

[0034] Referring to Figures 1 and 5, a plant growing apparatus 100 comprises a stator housing 101 having a base wall 146 and a peripheral wall 147. The stator housing 101 is configured to remain stationary during operation and defines an open-fronted cavity into which a rotor drum 102 is rotatably received. The rotor drum 102 also comprises a base wall 148 and a peripheral wall 149, with the base wall 148 being rotatably supported at the rear 103 of the stator housing 101 by a bearing 114. The rotor drum 102 is dimensioned so that its base wall 148 and peripheral wall 149 fit concentrically within the base wall 146 and peripheral wall 147 of the stator housing 101 , thereby forming an annular clearance between the opposing peripheral walls. This annular clearance at the lower region of the apparatus defines a pool 106 of water, which serves as a passive watering pool.

[0035] The peripheral wall 149 of the rotor drum 102 comprises a series of integrated or received plant pods 125 that are configured to securely retain plant growing media 129. As the rotor drum 102 rotates within the stator housing 101 , the plant pods 125 cyclically pass through the pool 106, allowing the growing media 129 to absorb water by capillary action from the pool. This rotation-mediated watering mechanism eliminates the need for active pumping, resulting in a simpler and more reliable apparatus with fewer mechanical components prone to failure.

[0036] The light source 115 is disposed within the rotor drum 102 and is oriented to illuminate the plants 105 retained within the plant pods 125. As best seen in Figure 5, the light source 115 may include a coaxially retained stem 116 and a rearwardly facing light element 117 that emits light toward the growing plants. This internalillumination ensures that the plants receive consistent light exposure regardless of the surrounding ambient lighting conditions, thereby facilitating photosynthesis and promoting healthy plant growth.

[0037] The stator housing 101 and rotor drum 102 are configured with their respective open ends facing a front 104 of the apparatus 100. This frontal opening provides convenient access to the plant pods 125 for insertion, removal, and inspection of the growing plants 105. Importantly, the coaxial axis 107 of the rotor drum 102 and stator housing 101 is oriented at an upward angle toward the front 104 of the apparatus 100, such that the lowest portion of the peripheral walls 147, 149 is located toward the rear 103 of the apparatus 100. This angular arrangement causes water to gravitationally pool at the rear, thereby forming the pool 106 in a confined region that maximises pool volume without impeding access or visibility from the front.

[0038] Positioned behind the base wall 146 of the stator housing 101 is a water tank 123, as seen in Figure 2 and Figure 5. The water tank 123 extends vertically along the rear of the housing 101 , and in the embodiment shown in Figure 5, preferably reaches up to approximately halfway along the height of the housing. The water tank 123 is elevated relative to the pool 106 and may be fluidly connected to the pool 106 via a gravity-fed valve 122. The water tank 123 may may be configured to define a water level 150 elevated above a level of the pool 106. This arrangement utilises hydrostatic pressure differential to permit water to flow into the pool 106 when required, without the need for an active pump. In one embodiment, a water conduit from the water tank 123 extends downward and dips into the pool 106 so that, when the water level in the pool 106 drops below the outlet, air is no longer sealed at the end of the conduit, allowing water to flow — an effect sometimes referred to as an airlock release or siphon break mechanism. This gravity-based replenishment system contributes to the apparatus’s 100 simplicity, energy efficiency, and operational reliability. The pool 106 is maintained at a level below the front lower edge 110 of the peripheral wall 147 to prevent overflow through the frontal opening of the apparatus 100. This configuration ensures that the user-facing region of the unit remains clean and dry during operation, without requiring any sealing structures at the front opening.The open-fronted design permits easy visual inspection and access to the plants while reliably containing the water within the housing, thereby preventing any spillage of water from the apparatus 100 under normal operating conditions.

[0039] The overall configuration of the stator housing 101 and rotor drum 102 — particularly the concentrically nested cylindrical form with an angled orientation and open front — results in a highly compact apparatus 100 suitable for placement on a kitchen countertop or domestic surface. The frontal accessibility of the plant pods, combined with automatic watering and illumination, makes the apparatus 100 especially well-suited for indoor herb cultivation and frequent harvesting.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the rotational axis 107 of the rotor drum 102 is inclined upwardly toward the front 104 of the apparatus 100 with respect to horizontal 108, as illustrated in Figure 5. This angular orientation is not essential to the operation of the apparatus 100 but provides several functional advantages. It encourages water to gravitationally pool toward the rear 103 of the stator housing 101 , thereby concentrating the pool 106 in a defined low region beneath the rotor drum 102 for consistent hydration. Additionally, the angled configuration permits the peripheral walls of both the stator housing 101 and rotor drum 102 to be formed with a frustoconical geometry, thereby creating a more open and accessible growing space. This contrasts with arrangements requiring axially aligned cylindrical walls with frontfacing retaining lips to contain water, which can restrict visibility and access. The open frustoconical form simplifies planting, inspection, and harvesting of plants while maintaining effective water management. This pooling configuration also improves the consistency of capillary uptake by the growing media 129, particularly during rotational cycling, and also enhances the visibility of the plants 105 from the front of the apparatus. The inclined configuration may also aid in preventing unwanted spillage by ensuring the water level 109 remains well below the front lower edge 110 of the peripheral wall 147.

[0041] To facilitate controlled rotation of the rotor drum 102, the apparatus may comprise a planetary gear mechanism, as shown in Figure 12. In this embodiment, the rotor drum 102 defines a large gear 111 that is concentrically arranged around itsaxis of rotation. A smaller gear 113, driven by an electric motor 112 (as best seen in Figure 6), is meshed with the large gear 111. This gearing arrangement provides a compact and mechanically efficient means for rotating the rotor drum 102 at a controlled rate. The use of a large-to-small gear ratio allows for fine rotational control and increased torque at low speeds, which is particularly beneficial for ensuring gentle, incremental movement of the plant pods 125 through the water pool 106. The gears may be enclosed within the base structure of the stator housing 101 to protect the mechanism from moisture and plant debris. The teeth of the large gear 111 may be inwardly oriented to facilitate integration within the periphery of the rotor drum 102 without increasing its external dimensions.

[0042] In a preferred arrangement, the electric motor 112 used to drive the rotor drum 102 is operatively controlled by an onboard electronic controller. The controller may include a microprocessor or microcontroller, which is programmed with software instructions stored in non-volatile memory to regulate the motor’s operational parameters. These may include the rotation speed, timing intervals, and directional control. The controller may be mounted within the backing housing 137 of the stator housing 101 or in a separate sealed compartment to protect it from moisture and plant debris.

[0043] Preferably, the controller is configured to wirelessly communicate with an external electronic device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. This communication may occur via a short-range wireless protocol such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, or Zigbee. The external device may execute a dedicated software application or web-based interface through which a user can configure operational parameters. These parameters may include the number and type of plants being cultivated, desired watering intervals, light exposure profiles, and growth stage timing. Control instructions received from the electronic device may be used to update a configuration profile stored locally on the controller, allowing the apparatus 100 to operate autonomously based on user-defined preferences.

[0044] One useful control parameter is the dwell time of a given plant pod 125 within the pool 106. The controller may selectively adjust the rate of rotation of the rotordrum 102 or initiate intermittent pauses to allow specific pods to remain submerged within the pool 106 for longer durations. For example, if the controller is instructed that a particular plant type — such as basil — requires more frequent or deeper watering than another — such as thyme — it may slow the rotation when the basil pod approaches the rear 103 of the apparatus, or pause the drum entirely while that pod is in contact with the water. This targeted adjustment ensures that each plant receives a tailored hydration regime without requiring separate pools or watering channels.

[0045] The configuration of the controller may optionally include a data structure mapping known plant types to corresponding watering needs. This data structure may be populated manually by the user or automatically updated based on sensed data. In some embodiments, the plant type associated with a particular pod may be specified during configuration via a selection menu on the companion app. In further embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be configured to determine the plant type using image analysis. For instance, a user may capture a photo of the plant pod 125 using the camera of the external electronic device, and the image may be analysed locally or in the cloud using a machine learning model trained to identify plant species based on leaf shape, colour, and growth pattern. Alternatively, the apparatus may comprise a dedicated internal image sensor or camera module mounted above the rotor drum 102 to periodically capture and process images for the same purpose.

[0046] In another variation, the apparatus may include one or more moisture sensors configured to obtain readings from specific plant pods 125. These sensors may be integrated into the base of each pod or located within the rotor drum wall adjacent each cavity 126. The sensors may comprise capacitive or resistive soil moisture probes embedded within or in contact with the growing media 129. The probes generate a voltage or resistance signal that varies with the water content of the media. The controller interprets these signals to determine whether the media is adequately hydrated and may accordingly adjust the dwell time of the associated pod within the pool 106. For example, if the media of a particular pod is found to be dry, the controller may slow the rotation of the rotor drum or hold the pod over the pool for an extended period until sufficient water uptake has occurred. This closed-loop feedback controlenhances watering precision and conserves water by avoiding unnecessary soaking of adequately hydrated pods.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 comprises a light source 115 configured to illuminate the plants 105 growing within the rotor drum 102. As shown in Figure 5, the light source 115 may comprise a stem 116 mounted coaxially within the rotor drum 102. The stem 116 extends longitudinally from the rear 103 of the apparatus and supports a light element 117 at its distal free end. This coaxial mounting ensures that the light source remains centrally positioned regardless of the rotational position of the rotor drum, thereby enabling uniform illumination of the plants retained along the periphery of the drum.

[0048] Preferably, the light element 117 is rearwardly oriented, meaning it faces toward the rear 103 of the apparatus 100, away from the front opening 104. This orientation prevents direct light spillage toward the user and reduces glare when the apparatus is accessed or viewed from the front. A plate 118 may be disposed between the light element 117 and the open front of the apparatus, functioning to conceal the light element and redirect emitted light toward the plants. The plate 118 may also serve additional roles, as described further below with reference to Figure 13.

[0049] As shown in Figure 5 and elaborated in Figure 13, the light element 117 may comprise a radial array of light emitters 119, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), arranged on a conical surface 120. This geometry allows the light to be projected outward and slightly rearward into the interior of the rotor drum 102. The conical arrangement helps to distribute light evenly across the radial array of plant pods 125 retained around the internal periphery of the rotor drum. This design is particularly effective in cylindrical or conical enclosures, as it promotes uniform light exposure for all growing surfaces.

[0050] The light source 115 is preferably capable of emitting different types of light, including variations in frequency (e.g., red, blue, white) and intensity. This multimodal light emission enables the apparatus to support different phases of plant development, such as germination, vegetative growth, and flowering. For example, blue light may be used to promote leaf development, while red light may stimulateflowering. The controller may be programmed with profiles for common plant types and may adjust the emitted light type accordingly to optimise growing conditions.

[0051] In some embodiments, the light source 115 is divided into multiple independently controlled light elements 119 positioned circumferentially around the central axis. These light elements may be statically mounted and electronically addressable by the controller, allowing it to target specific regions of the rotor drum 102 with different light settings. As the rotor drum rotates, each plant pod 125 can be illuminated in a customised manner. This selective illumination may be synchronised with the position of the drum, using encoder data or timing algorithms, to ensure that a particular light spectrum is applied to a specific plant pod or group of pods.

[0052] Referring now to Figure 13, an embodiment is shown in which the light source 115 incorporates a thermal dissipation mechanism. In this arrangement, the plate 118 serves as a heatsink for the light element 117 and is preferably formed from a thermally conductive material such as aluminium. Heat generated by the light emitters 119 is conducted through the plate 118 and away from the central light assembly to prevent overheating. To further facilitate cooling, a fan 139 is positioned behind the plate 118. The fan comprises a rotor hub 140 and radial vanes 141 configured to draw air through apertures 142 formed in the heatsink plate 118. The air is expelled through an annular exhaust grille 143 formed in a rear cover 144, thereby removing heated air from the interior of the apparatus.

[0053] The light element 117 shown in Figure 13 may also comprise a frustopyramidal structure supporting the emitters 119, enclosed by a translucent light diffuser cover 145. This diffuser functions to soften and spread the emitted light, reducing intensity hotspots and further enhancing uniformity of light distribution across all plants in the rotor drum. The combination of focused, rearward-facing light, spectrum versatility, localised control, and active cooling enables the light source to operate continuously under optimal thermal and horticultural conditions.

[0054] In preferred embodiments, the plant growing apparatus 100 is configured to replenish the pool 106 formed beneath the rotor drum 102 using hydrostatic pressure differential alone. This eliminates the need for a mechanical pump, therebysimplifying the internal architecture, reducing power consumption, and enhancing reliability by minimising moving parts. The system operates based on the gravitational potential energy of a water column, which creates sufficient pressure to cause water to flow downward from an elevated tank 123 when a fluid pathway is opened and the pool level drops below the outlet level.

[0055] As illustrated in Figure 2, the water tank 123 is preferably removably mounted to the rear of the apparatus 100 and defines an outlet beneath its base. This outlet is in fluid communication with the pool 106 via a hose or conduit, which in one embodiment comprises an inlet connector 124 that extends toward or into the pool region between the peripheral walls 147, 149. In such arrangements, the distal end of the hose or connector 124 may dip slightly into the water level of the pool 106, forming what is effectively a submerged outlet. When the water level in the pool drops below the outlet of the hose, air pressure is able to enter the upper portion of the water tank 123 (above the water line 150), allowing water to flow down under gravity and refill the pool. This mechanism, which relies on atmospheric pressure and gravity to regulate flow, is commonly referred to as air lock release or gravity-fed siphon break, and it ensures that water flows only when the pool requires replenishment. Once the water level in the pool 106 rises to meet the outlet of the connector 124, air ingress is blocked, and the flow of water halts automatically. This passive equilibrium mechanism prevents overfilling without requiring active sensing or control.

[0056] In another embodiment, shown in Figure 2 and described in Figures 5 and 12, the apparatus 100 may further comprise a water level sensor 121 interfacing with the pool 106. This sensor may take the form of a capacitive or float-type sensor and is used to monitor the height of the water level within the pool 106 formed between the rotor drum 102 and the stator housing 101. When the water level drops below a predefined threshold, the sensor 121 activates a valve 122 located in the flow path between the water tank 123 and the pool 106. The valve 122 is preferably a solenoid- actuated valve which opens under electronic control, allowing water to flow downward under gravity. Because the valve merely regulates the release of gravitationally-fed water, no pumping mechanism is required. This approach allows for precise, sensor-driven control of the pool level while maintaining the simplicity of hydrostatic replenishment.

[0057] To provide feedback to the user, the water tank 123 may optionally include a secondary water level sensor configured to detect when the internal volume of the tank is approaching depletion. When the water volume falls below a defined threshold, the apparatus 100 may activate a secondary light source to provide a visual indication to the user that the tank requires refilling. The light source may be located on the housing, adjacent the tank, or incorporated into a user interface. This feature ensures that the user can maintain continuous hydration of the plants with minimal oversight, further reinforcing the automation and usability advantages of the system.

[0058] The rotor drum 102 is preferably configured to retain a plurality of removable plant pods 125 arranged about its inner peripheral wall 149. As shown in Figures 3 and 7 to 9, the inner surface of the rotor drum 102 may define multiple cavities 126 spaced circumferentially, each shaped to receive and support an individual pod 125. This modular arrangement allows for the concurrent cultivation of multiple plant varieties within the same apparatus 100, enabling users to grow a mixed selection of herbs or other small plants in a compact, automated system.

[0059] Each plant pod 125 is preferably configured to be removably retained within its corresponding cavity 126 by magnetic force. In one embodiment, magnets embedded in the pod 125 cooperate with ferromagnetic inserts or opposing magnets embedded within the rotor drum wall. This magnetic retention allows for secure seating of the pods during drum rotation while also permitting easy removal by the user for harvesting, inspection, or replacement. Alternative mechanical retention methods may also be used, but magnetic coupling provides the benefit of tool-free access and minimal wear over time.

[0060] Referring to Figures 7, 9, and 11 , each plant pod 125 preferably comprises a backing 127 and a cover 128 that together enclose a growing media 129. The growing media 129 may comprise a horticulturally suitable substrate such as polymer-bound coco peat or peat moss, optionally infused with slow-release fertiliser. The media isretained in a compact form between the backing 127 and the cover 128, providing mechanical support for root systems while facilitating water and nutrient absorption.

[0061] The geometry and orientation of the media 129 within each pod 125 are preferably selected so that only a rear edge of the media is exposed to the water in the pool 106 during rotation. This configuration enables passive capillary watering, whereby the exposed portion of the media wicks water upward through the substrate to maintain uniform moisture throughout. This method avoids over-saturation and root rot while ensuring adequate hydration, and is compatible with the gravity-fed pool arrangement described above.

[0062] The cover 128 defines one or more openings 132 through which the germinated plants 105 can grow. These openings may extend toward the rear edge of the cover 128 to ensure that the cover 128 can be detached from the backing 127 without interfering with plant stems or foliage. This feature is particularly advantageous when replacing the growing media 129 or harvesting mature plants. The cover 128 may be removably attached to the backing 127 via embedded magnets, or it may slide along keyed channels or grooves, providing mechanical engagement without requiring fasteners.

[0063] The backing 127 may have a curved profile matching the curvature of the rotor drum 102, ensuring close contact with the internal surface of the drum for stability. To facilitate handling, the backing 127 and / or cover 128 may include a handling flange 131 or a removable tab 130, allowing the user to grip and extract the pod 125 with ease. Figures 10 and 7 show how the internal cavities 126 of the drum may include recesses 132 that align with the handling flange 131 to facilitate finger access.

[0064] To promote seed germination and early growth, each plant pod 125 may optionally include a transparent dome 133, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. The dome 133 is configured to attach to the backing 127 or cover 128, enclosing the growing media 129 to form a microclimate chamber. The dome serves to retain humidity and warmth, both of which are beneficial for germination. The dome may be magnetically or mechanically attached and is preferably made from a clear or translucent polymeric material to permit light penetration. A vent 134 may be provided in the dome to allowexcess humidity to escape, thereby preventing mould formation and damping-off disease.

[0065] In some embodiments, the plant pod 125 may further include a computer- readable identifier such as a QR code, barcode, or RFID tag. This identifier encodes a plant type or configuration profile, which may be scanned by the user’s electronic device or a reader integrated within the apparatus 100. Upon reading the identifier, the controller can retrieve or assign configuration parameters associated with that specific plant type, such as optimal watering intervals, light spectrum preferences, and rotation timing. This enables automatic adjustment of the operating profile to suit the needs of each individual plant, enhancing overall cultivation efficiency and minimising user input.

[0066] By way of illustrative example and without limiting the scope of the claimed apparatus, one preferred embodiment of the plant growing apparatus 100 may be used for growing culinary herbs in a domestic kitchen environment. The apparatus 100 is placed on a countertop, where its compact footprint and front-facing open configuration make it suitable for convenient daily access and visual inspection. The apparatus 100 is particularly well-suited for growing a combination of small-leaf herbs commonly used in cooking, such as basil, parsley, thyme, and coriander.

[0067] To begin use, the user first removes the water tank 123 from the rear of the stator housing 101 and fills it with potable water. The tank 123 is then reinstalled such that its outlet aligns with the inlet connector 124, which leads to the pool 106 defined between the peripheral walls 147, 149 of the stator housing 101 and rotor drum 102. As described above, the tank 123 is positioned vertically above the level of the pool 106, enabling hydrostatic replenishment under gravity without the need for pumps.

[0068] Next, the user prepares several plant pods 125, each filled with a growing media 129 such as polymer-bound coco peat infused with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser. Basil seeds, for example, may be glued to the surface of the media in one pod, parsley in another, and so on. The growing media is positioned such that only a rear edge dips into the pool 106 during rotation, allowing capillary action to draw water upward into the root zone. If desired, the user may fit transparent domes 133over the pods to create a humid microclimate for seed germination. The domes may be left in place for the first 5-7 days, depending on the germination requirements of the selected herbs.

[0069] Each pod 125 is then inserted into a corresponding cavity 126 within the rotor drum 102 and retained magnetically. If the pods include computer-readable identifiers, the user may scan them using a smartphone application paired with the apparatus 100. The application may display a visual map of the rotor drum 102, allowing the user to assign a plant type to each indexed pod location. Alternatively, the user may manually input the plant type for each pod via the app interface.

[0070] Once configuration is complete, the controller fetches the programmed plant profiles and initiates rotation of the rotor drum 102 via the motor 112 and gear train 111 , 113. The controller regulates the timing and direction of rotation such that each plant pod 125 periodically passes through the water pool 106. For example, basil, which prefers moist conditions, may be held longer in the submerged zone than thyme, which prefers drier roots. Moisture readings may also be obtained from integrated sensors in the pods, allowing further refinement of dwell time via feedback control.

[0071] The light source 115 mounted on the coaxial stem 116 is automatically activated by the controller to simulate a consistent daylight cycle. The light element 117, comprising a radial array of LEDs 119 on a conical surface 120, emits a balanced spectrum optimised for vegetative growth. The light may include a predominance of blue light for promoting leaf development. In some embodiments, the controller varies the intensity or spectral composition for different regions of the rotor drum 102 based on the plants present, ensuring optimal light delivery to each pod 125. Heat generated by the LEDs 119 is dissipated via the metallic plate 118 acting as a heatsink, with forced airflow provided by the fan 139, which draws air through apertures 142 and expels it through the annular exhaust grille 143, as shown in Figure 13.

[0072] During operation, the water level in the pool 106 is continuously monitored by the water level sensor 121. If the level falls below a predetermined threshold, the controller opens the solenoid-actuated valve 122, permitting water to flow undergravity from the tank 123 to the pool 106. This process is entirely passive, requiring no pump, and continues until the level rises sufficiently to close the valve. If the water in the tank 123 itself becomes depleted, a secondary level sensor within the tank may trigger a light source to illuminate, alerting the user to refill it.

[0073] After approximately 2-3 weeks of growth, the user may begin harvesting leaves from the herbs for culinary use. The open-fronted design of the apparatus allows the user to reach in and trim herbs directly from the pods 125. If replanting is desired, a pod may be removed by grasping the handling flange 131 and gently pulling it from its cavity 126. The cover 128 can then be detached, the growing media replaced or reseeded, and the pod reinserted into the drum 102.

[0074] This example illustrates how the apparatus 100 supports fully automated herb cultivation in a compact, modular, and user-friendly format tailored for domestic countertop use. The use of passive watering via hydrostatic replenishment, coupled with tailored light and moisture management, enables thriving plant growth with minimal intervention.

[0075] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims1. A plant growing apparatus comprising: a stator housing having a base wall and a peripheral wall; a rotor drum rotatably engaged within the stator housing, the rotor drum having a base wall and a peripheral wall configured to fit within the base wall and the peripheral wall of the stator housing, the peripheral wall of the rotor drum comprising pods configured to securely retain plant growing media for growing plants therein as the rotor drum rotates within the stator housing; a light source disposed within the rotor drum and configured to illuminate the plants; wherein open ends of the stator housing and the rotor drum face a front of the apparatus to permit open access to the rotor drum and the plants retained therein during rotation; wherein the stator housing and the rotor drum are oriented such that their peripheral walls are angled upward toward the front of the apparatus, thereby defining a pool beneath a rear region of the rotor drum; a water tank arranged behind the base wall of the stator housing and configured to define a water level elevated relative to the pool, the apparatus being configured to replenish the pool from the water tank using hydrostatic pressure differential alone, and to maintain the pool at a level that prevents overflow through a gap defined at front edges of the peripheral walls at the lower region.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the rotor drum defines a rotational axis that is inclined with respect to horizontal such that the pool collects beneath a rear region of the rotor drum within the stator housing.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the rotor drum comprises a gear arranged concentrically therewith, and the apparatus further comprises an electric motor driving a smaller meshed gear to rotate the rotor drum.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the motor is operatively controlled by a controller.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the controller is in communication with an external electronic device and is configured to receive configuration settings or control instructions therefrom.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to adjust a dwell time of a given plant pod within the pool by selectively controlling the rate or timing of rotation of the rotor drum.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the dwell time is adjusted based on a specified plant type.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plant type is determined using image analysis of an image captured of the plant pod.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the dwell time is adjusted based on moisture readings obtained from a sensor associated with a respective plant pod.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises a coaxially mounted stem extending into the rotor drum and retaining a light element at a distal free end.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the light element is rearwardly oriented and concealed by a plate.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the light element comprises a radial array of light emitters arranged on a conical surface to project light into the rotor drum.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the light source is configured to emit different types of light in terms of frequency or intensity.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to selectively control the light source based on a plant type associated with a respective plant pod.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the light source comprises a plurality of static light elements that are independently controllable to illuminate specific regions of the rotor drum as it rotates.

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the apparatus further comprises a water level sensor configured to monitor the level of the pool within the stator housing.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the apparatus further comprises a valve controlled by the water level sensor, the valve being in fluid communication with the water tank and configured to open under gravity to replenish the pool.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the water tank is removable and defines an outlet positioned above the pool so as to generate hydrostatic replenishment pressure.

19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the water tank comprises a secondary water level sensor and the apparatus comprises a secondary light source configured to provide a low-water-level indication.

20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the rotor drum is configured to retain a plurality of removable plant pods.

21. The apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein each plant pod is magnetically retained within the rotor drum.

22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 21 , wherein each plant pod comprises a backing and a cover that together retain a growing media.

23. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the growing media comprises a fertiliser-infused substrate and is configured such that only a rear edge thereof dips into the pool to enable capillary watering.

24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the cover comprises openings through which plants grow, the openings extending to a rear edge of the cover to avoid interference during removal.

25. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the cover is magnetically or slidably attachable to the backing.

26. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the backing conforms to the curvature of the rotor drum and comprises a handling flange.

27. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein each plant pod further comprises a transparent dome attachable to the backing or cover to enclose the growing media.

28. The apparatus as claimed in claim 27, wherein the dome comprises a vent and is configured to promote humidity while preventing mould development during seed germination.

29. The apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein each plant pod comprises a computer-readable identifier indicating a type of plant, and the controller is configured to associate configuration settings with the identified plant type.