Method, apparatus and system for ultrasonic aeroponic crop production

Abstract

A misting device for aeroponically cultivating plants in a growing chamber provided with fluid in a water reservoir, comprising: an ultrasonic atomization transducer (UAT) configured to generate a misting spray in the presence of fluid; and a wicking means configured to transport fluid from the water reservoir by capillary action to the ultrasonic atomization transducer, when the lower end of the wicking means is disposed in contact with the water reservoir. Also disclosed is a growing system for aeroponically cultivating plants comprising: a growing chamber for containing the plants, and provided with a water reservoir containing fluid; and misting devices. The misting devices are oriented such that the respective misting sprays interact with each other to create an ultra-fine mist inside the growing chamber. In some aspects, the water reservoir may further comprise nanobubbles to maintain elevated dissolved oxygen levels and improve root-zone oxygenation.

Description

METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR ULTRASONIC AEROPONIC CROP PRODUCTIONCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 USC §119(e) of US provisional patent application 63 / 698,161 filed on September 24, 2024, the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a modular aeroponic or fogponic farming system for growing various crops.BACKGROUND

[0003] Aeroponics, a Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) method, is known as a modality of cultivating plants with air as the growing medium, as opposed to soil (traditional farming), or water (hydroponics). In an aeroponic system, the roots of the plants are suspended in a high mist environment within a container. The container contains a concentrated nutrient solution mixture that reaches the roots in a misted form through devices such as misters, nozzles, foggers, atomizers, etc. The stem, leaves, flower, and fruits of the plants grow outside the suspension medium but in controlled environments with parameters such as humidity, temperature, lighting, etc., monitored to achieve optimum growth of plants.

[0004] The use of non-soil growth mediums, such as peat moss, coconut coir, Perlite, clay pellets, and rockwool, is known, but many of these mediums, especially rockwool, are unsustainable, non-renewable resources; rockwool is a mined resource, potentially negating the sustainability benefits of this CEA modality.

[0005] There are multiple benefits of growing crops through aeroponic farming over hydroponic farming. In aeroponics, plant roots are exposed to air, allowing them to have a high uptake of oxygen and carbon dioxide, whereas inhydroponic farming, plant roots are submerged in water and do not receive the same amount of oxygen required for plant respiration. During plant respiration, plants break down glucose and convert it to cellular energy, which is then used for nutrient and water uptake. Thus, due to the abundance of oxygen, plants grown using aeroponics can produce higher amounts of energy, leading to better yields.

[0006] Fogponics is a variation of aeroponics in which foggers are utilized to convert the nutrient solution into finer mist particles (fog) to provide nutrients to plant roots. This fog produced is finer than the mist produced in traditional aeroponic systems, and the small droplet size allows the mist to uniformly spread into the root zone and facilitate faster and higher amounts of nutrient absorption by plants.Aeroponic Systems Disadvantages

[0007] Even though aeroponic farming has multiple advantages over traditional farming, there are drawbacks associated with these farming techniques. The main drawbacks are the high costs required to set up traditional aeroponic farms as well as the loss of crops in case of power failures / outages. The high costs are attributed to the cost to set up plumbing, nozzles, and fans in the misting chamber. In addition, similar to most hydroponic systems, traditional aeroponic systems require the use of high-power-consuming pumps, accounting for as much as 40% of the total electricity usage, making the systems energy inefficient to operate.

[0008] Current art utilizes high-pressure pumps that operate above 150 psi (US10999985B2, US20100218423A1 , US10306847B2), which is an energy- intensive component that must be running 2417. These systems also employ the use of fine nozzles which often get clogged and require time-consuming maintenance.

[0009] A known alternative approach is to employ the use of ultrasonic nebulization or ultrasonic atomization. This method of aerosol creation involves electrically exciting a microporous metal / ceramic plate creating a standing ultrasonic sound wave at its resonant frequency (sometimes referred to herein, as “ultrasonic atomization”). This atomized nutrient solution aerosol can then be used in fogponics I aeroponics for crop cultivation. However, this creates another set of challenges, namely: the velocity of the mist is low causing the mist to not circulate effectively, and the contact between the ultrasonic atomization plate and the liquid creates an unwanted rise in temperature that can negatively affect the growth of the plants. Additionally, fine control of the water level must be maintained to avoid mist suppression when the water level is too high above the atomization device (e.g., an ultrasonic atomization transducer or ultrasonic atomizer). Misting can also be suppressed by the condensation of water droplets onto the atomizer.

[0010] Most systems use a single, interconnected reservoir which can result in a catastrophic, full facility failure in the case of contamination which could spread to all plants.

[0011] Various methods have been employed to try and solve these problems, including a robotic solution to move the plants across the stream of atomized nutrient solution (KR101452276B1 ) but in this method the removal of one energy intensive component (high-pressure pumps) is replaced by another energy-intensive and expensive component (robotics). Other solutions try and mitigate the low mist circulation issue by simply employing multiple ultrasonic atomization transducers (UAT) per plant, but this high number of atomizers in contact with the liquid creates a higher energy requirement, requires more expensive hardware, and can make the adverse heating issue when in contact with the liquid even worse (KR102161188B1 ).

[0012] Most systems utilize higher power atomizers (above 15 Watts per atomizer) to create the atomized fluid underwater and use the high velocity to break through the surface of the water, but the power required is comparable tothe energy-intensive water-pump method.

[0013] To alleviate the requirement of fine water-level control and high energy atomizers, some systems employ low energy floating ultrasonic atomization transducer (UAT), so that the atomizer is above the water level, not having to break through the volume of water above the atomizer in other systems, and always contacting the water despite the water level. However, another form of mist suppression is introduced due to water condensing and dripping onto the low energy atomizer, often suppressing it entirely. There are also issues pertaining to tension in the electrical wire being attached to the floating UAT, which creates unwanted and uncontrolled tilting of the UAT, causing pockets of non-misted regions.

[0014] The solution provided by the present disclosure can potentially address some or all of the above-described issues.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0015] In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a misting device for aeroponically cultivating plants in a growing chamber provided with fluid in a reservoir, the misting device comprising: a top plate, having a nozzle; an ultrasonic atomization transducer (UAT) configured to, in the presence of fluid and upon application of an electrical powering means to the UAT, generate and emit a misting spray from the nozzle; a wick-to-atomizer adapter; and a wicking means of absorbent material, the wicking means having an upper end and a lower end; wherein the UAT is housed between the top plate and the wick-to-atomizer adapter; wherein the upper end of the wicking means is in contact with the wick- to-atomizer adapter, and the lower end of the wicking means is in contact with the reservoir; and wherein the wicking means is configured to transport fluid from the reservoir by capillary action to the UAT, when the lower end of the wicking means is disposed in contact with the reservoir.

[0016] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, disclosed herein is a misting device for aeroponically cultivating plants in a growing chamber that is provided with fluid in a water reservoir, the misting device comprising: (i) a top plate, having a dimple nozzle; (ii) an ultrasonic atomization transducer (UAT)configured to, upon application of an electrical powering means to the UAT in the presence of fluid, generate and emit a misting spray from the dimple nozzle; (iii) a wick-to-atomizer adapter; and (iv) a wicking means made from absorbent material, the wicking means having an upper end and a lower end; wherein the UAT is housed between the top plate and the wick-to-atomizer adapter; wherein the upper end of the wicking means is in contact with the wick- to-atomizer adapter, and the lower end of the wicking means is in contact with the water reservoir; and wherein the wicking means is configured to transport fluid from the water reservoir by capillary action to the UAT, when the lower end of the wicking means is disposed in contact with the water reservoir.

[0017] In some aspects, the misting device is provided with biasing means for biasing the wicking means in contact with the wick-to-atomizer adapter.

[0018] In some aspect, the misting device is provided with a controller for activating and deactivating the UAT.

[0019] In some aspects, the nozzle of the misting device is a dimple nozzle.

[0020] In some aspects, the UAT is a low power UAT.

[0021] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, also disclosed herein is a growing system for aeroponically cultivating plants comprising: (i) a growing chamber for containing at least a root zone of the plants, the growing chamber provided with a water reservoir containing fluid; and (ii) a plurality of misting devices disposed inside the growing chamber, each of the plurality of misting devices configured to generate a respective misting spray in the growing chamber. In an embodiment, the plurality of misting devices are oriented such that the respective misting sprays interact with each other to create a fine mist inside the growing chamber.

[0022] In some aspects, the growing system additionally comprises a securing means for suspending the plants such that the plants extend out of the growing chamber and the root zones of the plants are disposed inside the growing chamber. In some aspects, the growing system additionally comprising one or more orienting means, securable to the securing means, the orienting means configured to receive the misting devices and orient the misting devices such that their respective misting sprays interact with each other to create the ultra-fine mist inside the growing chamber.

[0023] In some aspects, the growing system additionally comprises a controller for activating and deactivating an UAT of each of the plurality misting devices. In yet another aspect, the growing system additionally comprises one or more sensors located within the growing chamber and in communication with the controller, wherein the controller is configured to receive an input from the one or more sensors and activate or deactivate each of the plurality of misting devices in response to the input from the one or more sensors.

[0024] In some aspects, the growing system additionally comprises lighting means disposed above the growing chamber for providing the plants with light.

[0025] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, also disclosed herein is a system for cultivating plants, comprising a plurality of the growing systems stacked vertically atop one another.

[0026] In some aspects, the water reservoir of the growing system contains an aqueous solution of fluid and a nutrient, and the growing chamber is configured to provide multiple growing zones of different concentrations of the nutrient, comprising: (i) a first mist layer comprising the ultra-fine mist, having a lower concentration of the nutrient; and (ii) a second aqueous layer comprising the aqueous solution in the water reservoir, having a concentration of the nutrient greater than the first mist layer.

[0027] In some aspects, the reservoir contains an aqueous solution of fluid and a nutrient, and wherein the growing chamber is configured to provide multiple growing zones of different concentrations of the nutrient, the multiple growing zones comprising: a first mist layer comprising the ultra-fine mist, the first layer having a first concentration of the nutrient; and a second aqueous layer comprising the aqueous solution in the reservoir, the second aqueous layer having a second concentration of the nutrient being greater than the first concentration of the first mist layer.

[0028] In yet other aspects, the water reservoir of the growing system additionally comprises a sediment-based nutrient solution, wherein the multiple growing zones additionally comprises: a third sediment layer comprising the sediment-based nutrient solution, having a concentration of the nutrient greater than the second aqueous layer.

[0029] In some aspects, the reservoir additionally comprises a sedimentbased nutrient solution, wherein the multiple growing zones additionally comprise: a third sediment layer comprising the sediment-based nutrient solution, the third sediment layer having a third concentration of the nutrient being greater than the second concentration of the second aqueous layer.

[0030] In some aspects, the fluid in the reservoir comprises nanobubbles being generated and introduced by nanobubbles production means, the nanobubbles being configured to increase the dissolved oxygen levels with respect to the fluid without the nanobubbles.

[0031] In some aspects, the nanobubbles production means includes a venturi injector disposed along a refill line of the reservoir to introduce the nanobubbles into the fluid in the reservoir.

[0032] In some aspects, the nanobubbles production means includes a device to introduce the nanobubbles into the fluid in the reservoir, the device being selected from the group consisting of: an in-tank diffuser, a hydrodynamic nanobubble generator, and a dedicated ultrasonic nanobubble generator.

[0033] According to a further aspect, there is provided a method of cultivating plants in a fogponic growing system. The method includes at least one of: (i) generating a fog within a growing chamber using at least one UAT supplied by a wicking means; (ii) enriching an aqueous solution in a reservoir of the growing chamber with nanobubbles to maintain an elevated dissolved oxygen level for an extended duration; (iii) enriching the aqueous solution with nanobubbles comprises introducing nanobubbles into the reservoir by passing fluid through a venturi injector during refilling; (iv) enriching the aqueous solution with nanobubbles by introducing nanobubbles by a device selected from the group consisting of: an in-tank diffuser, a hydrodynamic nanobubble generator, and a dedicated ultrasonic nanobubble generator; and (v) maintaining dissolved oxygen concentrations of at least 8 mg / L in the aqueous solution at a temperature between about 20°C and about 22 °C.

[0034] According to one aspect, there is provided a method of using nanobubbles in a fogponic growing system, wherein dissolved oxygen concentration is increased, root respiration is increased, and microbial growth is reduced.

[0035] In some aspects, there is provided a method for of using nanobubbles in a fogponic growing system, wherein dissolved oxygen concentration is improved, root respiration is enhanced, and microbial growth is suppressed.

[0036] Also disclosed herein are methods for aeroponically cultivating plants utilizing the above-described growing systems and misting devices.

[0037] The present disclosure includes a modular, low energy fogponic (aeroponic) crop cultivation process. Through circulating an ultra-fine atomized fluid using ultrasonic transducers / atomizers, nutrients, water, and air circulate through a root chamber for optimized plant growth. The apparatus can operate without pumps, nozzles, fans, or growing mediums, and is capable of outputting water droplets with a size of 5 microns without adversely affecting water temperature. This provides a low-cost, low-energy, high-yield method of cropcultivation. This is made possible by separating the misting device (ultrasonic transducer) from the water reservoir through use of a wicking or capillary action system.

[0038] This apparatus creates a layer of atomized fluid at the plant root zone by aiming a series of misting devices at each other, creating chaotic fluid vortices, quickly stabilizing into a homogenous, widespread mist film.

[0039] The mist zone and water zone are placed in the same reservoir, combining aeroponic and Deep-Water Culture (DWC) methods while still allowing for high oxygen uptake and nutrient uptake, all while allowing consistent access to water and nutrients, even in the event of a power failure.

[0040] The capillary action system is not only an energy-free method of water transport, but also filters nutrient solution to a consistent concentration, allowing dual concentrations in the same root zone, reducing nutrient changing labor. The cotton from the capillary action system can be replaced by being soaked in a cleaning solution for cleaning purposes, extending the ultrasonic transducer’s life. Use of the present system and process reduces time spent on maintenance, cleaning, all while conserving resources such as water, electricity, and fertilizers.

[0041] The present disclosure provides an improved modular aeroponic growing system capable of growing a wide variety of crops, in which a combination of water, oxygen, and nutrients is provided directly to the root system of a plant using a low energy misting device. As the plants grown in the present system are not rooting in any growing media such as soil or rockwool, or aqueous mediums (hydroponics), the system can provide the many advantages of aeroponic crop production including high levels of oxygen in the root zone.

[0042] The aeroponic plant growing system in accordance with the present disclosure features various functional subsystems that are combined to provide various improvements over previously known aeroponic plant growing systems, namely, removing the need for water pumps, nozzles, compressors, high energyatomizers, floating atomizers, root zone fans, or water-cooling modules entirely, all while achieving a positive effect on labor requirements. Further, a power outage does not result in the immediate death of a crop, unlike in existing systems.

[0043] In accordance with one non-limitative embodiment of the present disclosure, disclosed herein is an aeroponic plant growing system which includes: a modular, plurality of water reservoirs and rooting chambers (sometimes referred to herein, as “chambers”), a plurality of LED lighting systems above each chamber, a plurality and variety of capillary action water transport networks and housings using UATs, a plurality of sensors or other peripherals embedded into the chambers, optional neoprene molds for rooting varieties, and optional trellis geometries for vining varieties. The plurality of growing chambers may be supported by vertically stacked shelving and LEDs for indoor, year-round growth.

[0044] An aeroponic plant growing system in accordance with the present disclosure provides improvements over previously known systems in terms of electricity use, commissioning and operating cost, plant growing effectiveness and efficiency, operational use, reliability, and maintenance requirements. These improvements are achieved both by how the individual functional components of an aeroponic system in accordance with the present disclosure are implemented and how these various components are combined.

[0045] The water reservoir of an aeroponic plant growing system in accordance with the present disclosure may be implemented as a plastic container with a removable lid, wherein the lid itself contains ports for either plants, subsystems, or peripherals discussed herein. The reservoir can be manually filled with water, aqueous nutrient solution, and / or nutrient powders.

[0046] The ports include a circular hole with a slightly smaller diameter than that of the collars that attach to each port via an interference or compression fit. In accordance with one embodiment, the collars are made from a plastic material, such as neoprene. The collars are washable and reusable, and can accommodate plants by holding on to the stem of a plant or seedling.

[0047] The collars can also accommodate (or adapted to accommodate) peripherals using the same mechanism, including sensors, probes, trellis structures, and most importantly, capillary action transport networks, ultrasonic nebulizers and their housings.

[0048] The capillary action transport networks may include of a plurality of absorbent cotton wicks or sorbent material arranged in either a long cylindrical shape or a folded sheet. These transport networks can transport water and nutrient solution within the water reservoir and rooting chamber. These transport networks may be used to transport water and nutrients between chambers. The primary use for the capillary action transport network is to transport water and nutrients to the plurality of ultrasonic nebulizers, separating them from the aqueous nutrient solution, thereby providing thermal isolation, and allowing for atomized nutrient solution.

[0049] The ultrasonic nebulizers or atomizers can create a fine mist, capable of outputting water droplets in the size of 5 pm with a low power (12V, < 1A) signal generator circuit. The mist is modulated to create periods of air and mist for optimized growth.

[0050] The circuitry and associated software can control, regulate, and drive a plurality of the UATs, accept data from a plurality of sensors, and adjust and switch the LED lighting, all according to the requirements of the specified crop.

[0051] The present disclosure provides various geometries and mechanisms to house the capillary action transport network to accommodate any sized water reservoir or rooting chamber. Liquid and pressure must be always applied to the back of the ultrasonic nebulizer to achieve a consistent mist. Described herein are three geometries to accomplish this in any sized reservoir or rooting chamber.

[0052] These combined aeroponic, atomized mist devices are housed within the water reservoir without a barrier between them, allowing the roots of the plants to receive both aeroponic nutrient, water, and air delivery for much of the vertical height of the roots, while the ends of the roots grow into the aqueous nutrient solution, also having the benefits of the deep-water culture (DWC) method of crop production. This means that the present system and device can reap the benefits of both aeroponics and deep-water culture.

[0053] When required, the wicks or sorbents may be swapped out easily with those soaked in cleaning solutions such as ethanol or acetate in order to clean the atomizer, extending the life of the atomizer significantly when compared to prior art.

[0054] Other arms have been designed to suspend other peripherals through the collar, allowing for wiring to exit the misting environment without mist leakage. One such peripheral is a water level sensor based on a corrosion-free, plastic float switch mechanism.

[0055] Other peripherals may include macronutrient sensors (NPK), total dissolved solids sensors, electrical conductivity sensors, pH sensors, and temperature sensors.

[0056] A motherboard and daughterboard configuration is used for organizing this large number of components. The daughterboard may also house a custom non-contact, corrosion-proof, capacitive based sensor attached to the side of each chamber.

[0057] Non-sensor peripherals include trellis structures to support tall or vining variety growth, wherein the legs of the trellis can be inserted in specific collars, such that the trellis is securely fit into the reservoir.

[0058] The user can manually add water and nutrient solution depending on the crop stage and the sensor data, without needing to drain the system. Software may be used to provide sensor-based standard operating procedures. This forgoes the need for plumbing infrastructure to be hooked up to thereservoirs. Since each reservoir can be isolated from each other, there is a low risk of cross contamination.

[0059] By selecting the right height configuration between levels on a shelf, the plants can remain in the system until the end of their life cycle without further transplantation.

[0060] In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a fogponic growing system wherein the reservoir fluid may be enriched with nanobubbles. In one embodiment, a venturi injector introduces nanobubbles into the aqueous solution during refilling of the reservoir, thereby maintaining elevated dissolved oxygen levels for extended durations on the order of weeks or months. In other embodiments, nanobubbles may be generated by in-tank diffusers, hydrodynamic generators, or dedicated ultrasonic transducers. Advantageously, the combination of ultrafine mist delivery in the fogponic root zone with a nanobubble-enriched aqueous phase establishes a dual-domain oxygenation strategy, providing nutrient-rich fog to the air-exposed roots while simultaneously supplying continuously oxygenated and microbially stable solution to submerged roots. This configuration yields improved nutrient absorption efficiency, greater oxygen bioavailability, suppression of pathogens, and enhanced overall plant growth relative to prior aeroponic and fogponic systems.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] So that the present disclosure can be understood in greater detail, a more particular description may be had by reference to the features of various implementations, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. The appended drawings, however, merely illustrate the more pertinent features of the present disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting, for the description may admit to other effective features and arrangements.

[0062] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the main functional components of an exemplary modular, low energy fogponic (aeroponic) crop cultivation process in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0063] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the on and off cycle of the irrigation I mist, effects on plant, and sensor reading timing.

[0064] FIG. 3 is a (top) perspective view of an exemplary assembled modular, low energy fogponic (aeroponic) system with three levels, with a chamber on each level, and dual lighting configuration for each level.

[0065] FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic illustrations of a motherboard and daughterboard and their functional subsystems and how they interact with each other, where FIG. 4A shows the daughter board, and FIG. 4B shows the motherboard.

[0066] FIG. 5A is a (top) perspective view of an exemplary chamber or growing unit.

[0067] FIG. 5B is an exploded view of an exemplary chamber or growing unit.

[0068] FIG. 5C is an exploded view, enlarged, of a collar and lid mating site of an exemplary chamber or growing unit.

[0069] FIG. 6A is an exploded view of an exemplary spring-based ultrasonic atomization transducer assembly and its individual components.

[0070] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the exemplary spring-based ultrasonic atomization transducer assembly shown in FIG. 6A.

[0071] FIG. 6C is a perspective view of an exemplary interference-fit-based ultrasonic atomization transducer assembly.

[0072] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an exemplary atomizer angling arm.

[0073] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an exemplary atomizer angling arm and its adaptation mechanism to the collar.

[0074] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an exemplary float switch arm.

[0075] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of an exemplary float switch arm and its adapting mechanism to the collar, with an installed float switch.

[0076] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an exemplary circular multiatomizer arm.

[0077] FIG. 9B is a perspective view of an exemplary circular multiatomizer arm with an installed float switch.

[0078] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an exemplary curved, sorbentbased multi-atomizer arm.

[0079] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of an exemplary flat, sorbent-based multi-atomizer arm showcasing the dimple geometry.

[0080] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary growing chamber or unit with installed atomizers housed in a multitude of atomizer angling arms.

[0081] FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of an exemplary growing chamber or unit with an atomizer assembly and illustration of the three different possible nutrient concentration zones.

[0082] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an exemplary chamber or unit with a float switch, a sorbent-based atomizer assembly, and a trellis structure.

[0083] FIG. 14A is a perspective view, enlarged, of an exemplary germination tray.

[0084] FIG. 14B is a perspective view of an exemplary aeroponic germination tray.

[0085] FIG. 14C is a perspective view of an exemplary germination intermediate cell tray with water intake holes.

[0086] FIG. 15 is a perspective view, sectioned, of a collar being used for in-system germination.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0087] An improved modular aeroponic system and method for growing, monitoring, and harvesting plants is disclosed in various embodiments. An exemplary embodiment of this system has a footprint of only four to five-square feet, hence it may be configured to meet a number of different site requirements and can be reconfigured while in use to accommodate changing needs and parameters. It is to be understood that the system may be implemented in a number of embodiments and while the system will be explained and illustrated with regard to some specific embodiments, other embodiments are within the scope of the invention and will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art.

[0088] One skilled in the relevant art, however, will recognize that the various embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with additions or modifications in terms of methods, materials, or components. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of various embodiments of the invention.

[0089] Similarly, for purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials, and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. Nevertheless, the invention may be practiced without such specific details. Furthermore, it is understood that the various embodiments shown in the futures are illustrative representations and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0090] This system is designed to support the cultivation of a wide variety of plants where the roots of the plants are suspended in a chamber with access to air and an aeroponic (high mist consisting of water and nutrients) environment. Plants are grown in a sanitary environment in a system that includes of a pluralityof rooting chambers or units 50 in which a plurality of ports can house this variety of plants which can range from one plant to more than one hundred. These chambers 50 are fluidly isolated from each other, and can be stacked on top of each other with the use of a shelf.

[0091] The plants are grown in a media-free environment where the stem of either a seedling or fully grown plant is held in place with the use of reusable, neoprene collars 42 allowing for high levels of oxygen and other gas uptake through the roots.

[0092] This collar 42 can also be modified by increasing its center hole diameter and elongating it to accommodate rooting varieties, such as carrots, in an aeroponic environment.

[0093] The chamber 50 is ideally made with a food-safe or biocompatible plastic polymer, and consists of three main non-electrical components depicted in FIG. 5B, namely a (water) reservoir 52, a lid 54 with a plurality of ports 40 which accommodate the aforementioned collars 42. The collars 42 fit into the lid 54 using an interference-fit mechanism due to the firm, sponge-like quality of the collar 42, as shown in FIG. 5C. The collars 42 create a tight enough seal between the stem and the ports 40 such that there is a negligible exchange of gasses between the interior and exterior of the chamber 50.

[0094] This chamber 50 may house a multitude of electrical components beneficial for optimized plant growth and monitoring as shown in FIG. 1 including a plurality of irrigation devices discussed herein, namely an ultrasonic atomization transducer (UAT) for atomization of fluid or ultrasonic atomization transducer 600 (see FIG. 6A) to create a mist, housed in an assembly or enclosure 30 containing additional components for its successful and durable operation. The atomizer assembly variations and its advantages are discussed in detail below.

[0095] The UATs 600, housed in the various embodiments of its assembly 30 (e.g. 30A, 30B or 30C, as shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C), may consist of a circular metal plate with a center dimple (or dimple nozzle), including a pluralityof microscopic holes. A concentric ceramic plate is attached to the top of the metal plate with a wire on each respective material. Size and material properties are chosen such that the resonant frequency of the ultrasonic nebulizer is in the submegahertz range, ideally between about 108 kHz and about 113 kHz such that the ultrasonic nebulizer can create a fine mist, capable of outputting water droplets in the size of about 5 pm with a low power (12V, < 1A) signal generator circuit 422 which can be initiated on a motherboard controller 204 as depicted in FIG. 4B. This ultrasonic frequency has also shown to have disinfecting properties and helps keep the liquid solution clean. This water droplet size allows for optimal uptake of water and nutrients. This, when combined with the high oxygen environment resulting from the mist on and off cycle discussed herein, promotes a high-surface area root structure for optimized plant growth.

[0096] FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of the high and low mist cycle generated by embodiments of the atomizer assembly 30. When the mist or atomized fluid is being generated, the plant's roots take up water, macronutrients, minerals, etc. for a specific period of time based on the type and stage of crop. Then, the mist is deactivated, allowing the roots to finish the liquid uptake and begin taking up the growth rate limiting (bottleneck) gas: oxygen. The time that the mist is off is also dependent on the stage and type of crop planted, and the cycle repeats. Designing for this off period, even for a few milliseconds, has additional technical benefits discussed herein, namely a period in which the high frequency signal generator circuit 422 driving the atomizer assemblies 30 do not electromagnetically interfere and have adverse effects on sensor readings.

[0097] Various sensors for monitoring and precise growing parameter adjustments during crop growth may be used, and an embodiment is depicted as a schematic diagram in FIG. 1. One or more of the following sensors may be used: water level sensor in the form of a floatation-based switch (float switch) 38, pH sensor 110, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) sensor 112, and macronutrient sensor (NPK) 114. FIG. 1 illustrates how the functional components, including both the sensors and irrigation devices (atomizers), are connected and interact with each other.

[0098] The sensors are connected through wires or other suitable means to a daughterboard 102 where a single motherboard controller 204 accepts and sends signals to multiple daughterboards. Each daughterboard 102 is attached to the side of each chamber 50, e.g. with the use of an adhesive as depicted in FIG. 5A. FIG. 1 illustrates that the peripherals such as atomizers and sensors can be suspended in the chamber 50 with the use of various arms including an atomizer assembly arm 32, a float switch arm 34, and a multi-sensor module arm 36

[0099] FIG. 1 also depicts the onboard sensors measuring both external, and internal parameters without direct contact with the inside of the chamber 50. The onboard sensors may include a temperature sensor 104, a relative humidity sensor 106, and a CO2 sensor 108 to measure external parameters, and a custom capacitive-based sensor 103 (FIG. 4A). In some embodiments, the onboard sensors are provided with or connected to the daughterboard 102.

[0100] FIG. 4A shows the main functional subsystems of the daughter board 102, including this capacitive-based sensor 103, where the daughterboard 102 is attached to one side of the reservoir 52. The capacitive-based sensor 103 consists of a reference electrode 400 and a measurement electrode 402, both on the back side of this printed circuit board (PCB) where the dielectric constant in front of the electrode is measured, which in this case, is the liquid inside of the reservoir 52. The reference electrode 400 is placed at a known height above the maximum water fill line. The measurement electrode is placed vertically along the axis of the liquid surface level increasing or decreasing. The raw data of the dielectric constants can be used by a Cloud Controller 208 or other computer to extrapolate data and gain information on the state of the system such as the ionic content of the liquid and the water level.

[0101] All of the aforementioned sensors may lead to an Analog-to-Digital converter (ADC) 406 on board, sending its output to an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) Protocol circuit 408 which is able to convert a large number of sensor outputs (e.g., more than ten) into just two wires, reducing the amount of wiresgoing to the motherboard while maintaining signal integrity.

[0102] The signal generator circuits 422 on the motherboard controller 204 are sent to the daughterboard 102 which are then split into a larger number of Atomizer Output Ports 404 to send to drive each atomizer assembly 30.

[0103] The daughterboard 102 may be connected to the motherboard 204 through a single wire bundle 203 free from high-frequency interference using the on off cycle depicted in FIG. 2 where the sensor readings are only taken and sent during the off portion of the misting cycle, which is when the signal generator circuits 422 are switched off.

[0104] FIG. 4B shows an exemplary schematic of the motherboard controller 204 and its key subsystems. In this embodiment, three individually controllable signal generators send and receive data from three daughterboards 102. The motherboard 204 may have an onboard power supply 418 drawing power from an AC In receptacle 416. This can power a microcontroller 412 and an I2C controller 414 which can drive signal generator circuits 422 to perform the on and off cycle depicted in FIG. 2 while processing incoming signals from the sensors attached to daughterboards 102 or from the Cloud Controller 208.

[0105] The exemplary Cloud Controller 208 would store and manipulate data in a real-time database including sensor, traceability, HR, faults, performance, and other metrics. It would be able to create alerts sent to a mobile application 210.

[0106] Connection to the cloud is achieved through an antenna, preferably a Wi-Fi module 410 to connect to a nearby Access Point or Router 450. An AC power receptacle (AC Out) 420 may be embedded into the motherboard 204 along with a relay, acting as a smart switch to turn lighting on and off, allowing for the highest level of compatibility with lighting systems. The circuitry can send and receive telemetry and other information to and from the cloud, including different on I off cycles, both atomized nutrient and lighting recipes can be added. This communication channel is also depicted in FIG. 1 where the cloud controllersends and receives information from a user input device, preferably the mobile device application 210, where the user is able to monitor, track, and control aspects of the growing system such as the lighting schedule, misting on-off cycle, etc. This information can then be sent to other human or robotic resources to conduct nutrient dosing 212, temperature or HVAC controls 214, or harvesting 218 based on the incoming data .

[0107] Water and nutrients may be refilled manually with a hose, bucket, or other receptacle, or an automated refilling system can be attached with the same neoprene collar-based mechanism to secure peripherals. Opening the lid 54 for refilling of water or nutrients at least once per month would be sufficient enough to replenish the oxygen and other gasses inside the chamber 50.

[0108] FIG. 3 shows how all of these components can be used together to create a compact and efficient combined system, in this case, a four-layered shelf system 25 with three growing chambers or units 50 placed on each level. Each level may have LED lighting installed above the chamber 50, in this case, two LED lighting tubes 306 are placed above each chamber 50, held in place with a bracket 304 whose height on the shelf can be adjusted as the plants grow. Each bracket 304 is secured onto the corresponding shelf arms 302 using an interference fit. In this case, one motherboard 204 would be controlling three daughterboards 102 to use three growing chambers 50.

[0109] Since each reservoir 52 can be isolated from each other, there is a low risk of cross contamination.

[0110] The shelf arms 302 are modular, such that the user can increase or decrease the height between levels to grow taller or shorter crops.Atomizer Assembly Embodiments

[0111] The embodiments are dependent on various factors such as reservoir size, but all embodiments preferably have a mechanism to orient or tilt the atomizer such that any condensation of liquid does not suppress the mist, as the condensed water droplet can slide off of the atomizer due to theangle / orientation of the atomizer / misting device.

[0112] For larger reservoirs (> 0.07 m3), the following embodiment may be provided. FIG. 6A shows an exploded view of one embodiment of an exemplary atomizer assembly 30A where the UAT 600 is placed between an atomizer top plate 602 the wick-to-atomizer adapter 604. A cylindrical cotton wick 606 is housed in an enclosure 610 with slits allowing for water to make contact with the cotton wick. This enclosure is ideally made of a food-safe polymer. The enclosure houses a spring 608 to push the cotton wick upward to apply pressure against the ultrasonic transducer.

[0113] Water, macronutrients, minerals, and other substances advantageous to plant growth passively travel up this cotton wick 606 without applied energy via capillary action. It travels to the top where it makes direct contact and pressure with the UAT 600 to keep it moist such that it can consistently atomize the fluid. This is necessary because if this porous atomizer is driven at its resonant frequency without moisture or liquid to atomize, its lifespan can be reduced from one to two years to one week. The cotton wick 606 has other important functions discussed further below, namely, filtering of nutrient and thermal isolation between the liquid-filled reservoir 52 and the UAT 600. FIG. 6B shows an assembled depiction of this embodiment.

[0114] An alternate mechanism and assembly 30B highlighted in FIG. 6C utilizes an interference or compression fit with a thicker (larger diameter) cotton wick 612 against the transducer instead of using a spring to achieve a similar result.

[0115] The collar 42 not only allows for plant roots to be suspended from the ports 40 of its lids 54 into the reservoir 52, but it can also be used to suspend other peripherals such as the aforementioned sensors and UATs into the reservoir (configuration not shown).

[0116] Referring to FIG. 7 A, an exemplary atomization positioning arm 32A ideally made with a food-safe plastic polymer, is depicted. The geometry of the top of this embodiment is a collar-to-arm mechanism showcased in FIG. 7B which allows the attached atomizer assembly 30A to be suspended from the lid 54 via the collar 42. The combined assembly is secure and easily accessible. The atomization positioning arm 32A points the atomizer assembly 30A at a sub- ninety-degree (non-vertical) angle such that condensation and other suppression problems are at least partially removed. The arm 32A geometry allows for Fused Deposition Modeling or FDM-based 3D printing without the need for supports.

[0117] A plurality of these combined assemblies are placed in locations in the port-filled lid 54 as an array as exemplified in FIG. 11.

[0118] Prior art typically requires capital-intensive waterproof fans to circulate the mist within chambers to create a homogenous layer of mist or fog. The present disclosure achieves this without needing fans or other energy intensive components. The atomizer assemblies 30A are suspended and oriented such that the streams of mist collide with each other creating mist vortices and chaotic behavior, creating an overall functional homogeneous distribution of mist.

[0119] For medium sized reservoirs (< 0.07 m3), a plurality of the atomizer assemblies 30A can be housed in a single piece, preferably made of a food-safe plastic polymer, arranged in a circular pattern. FIG. 9A shows an exemplary circular, multi-atomizer positioning arm 32B with an arm that fits in a single collar allowing for the same mechanism, such that it can be suspended from the port- filled lid 54. This exemplary multi-atomizer positioning arm 32B also has a feature such that a float switch 38 can also be incorporated into the arm (See FIG. 9B). This has the same benefits as before where the entire, combined assembly is secure and easily accessible, in addition to being able to consolidate multiple components into one adapter.

[0120] The multi-sensor module arm 36 depicted as a schematic drawing in FIG. 1 can be arranged in a similar fashion to the multi-atomizer positioning arm 32B.

[0121] An alternative embodiment to the atomizer assembly 30A is one that employs a sorbent sheet 902, preferably made with food-safe polypropylene, sandwiched between two housing pieces 900A, 900B, wherein one side contains an atomizer 600 array, and the other side contains embossed dimples 903 that push the sorbent against the atomizer 600. A clamp can secure these components tightly, such that water and the nutrient solution can passively travel up the sorbent and then create pressure and contact against the atomizers 600 to achieve a consistent mist, forming the sorbent sheet-based atomizer assembly 32C, as exemplified in FIG. 10A.

[0122] The sorbent sheet-based atomizer assembly 32C has a curvature for firing / directing mist outward in both the forward and side directions to fill the chamber with mist.

[0123] The sorbent sheet-based atomizer assembly may also be curved 32D as shown in FIG. 10B. Both sorbent sheet-based atomizer assemblies 32C, 32D are designed such that they are 3D printable without any support material.

[0124] For optimal plant growth, it is often necessary to control the concentration of liquid nutrients depending on the plant’s stage of growth. Modulating this nutrient concentration is usually a laborious process. The present disclosure provides a solution to create up to three zones of different concentrations, removing the need to manually change / adjust the nutrient concentrations. By altering the density of the cotton wick 606, the large-diameter cotton wick 612, or the sorbent sheet 902, one can filter excess amounts of nutrient solution to create a constant, lower density of atomized nutrient solution. This can be configured to create a layer of (relatively) lower concentration atomized fluid on the top, and then a layer of a higher concentration aqueous solution in the next layer. To create a third layer, those skilled in the art can choose a sediment-based nutrient solution that would sink to the bottom of thereservoir, creating a high concentration layer at the bottom. An exemplary embodiment is shown in FIG. 12. This allows the user to choose the height of the 3 regions, namely the mist, liquid, and sediment layer such that the roots grow from a lower to higher concentration area, precisely when it needs it, such as a change in growth stage, reducing labor requirements.

[0125] The mist zone and water zone are placed in the same reservoir, combining aeroponic and Deep-Water Culture (DWC) methods while still allowing for high oxygen uptake, nutrient uptake, all while allowing consistent access to water and nutrients, even in the event of a power failure or outage.

[0126] Driving the UAT 600 at its resonant frequency for long periods of time causes unwanted heating effects which can negatively affect plant growth. Prior art uses cooling modules, usually a Peltier cooler to solve this problem using additional energy and components. The present disclosure solves this problem using the cotton capillary action wick system 606 to thermally isolate the UAT without needing a water-cooling system.

[0127] Alternative embodiments may also use the capillary action wick system 606 to transport water and nutrients between chambers 50.

[0128] To extend the life of the UAT further without using laborious cleaning and restoration processes, one can prevent the UAT from degrading quickly by swapping out the cotton capillary action wick system 606 with one soaked in a cleaning solution such as ethanol or acetate, for cleaning purposes.

[0129] Another peripheral that the neoprene collar 42 can hold are plant support structures such as trellises 950 for tall or vining crops. An exemplary system is depicted in FIG. 13 where the collar makes a seal between the port 40 and the arms of the trellis 950, thereby supporting / holding the trellis in a desired position.

[0130] Seedlings may be germinated in a germination tray 960 as depicted in FIG. 14A filled with seeds placed on cotton balls. These seed-filled cotton balls can be placed in a cell-based tray 970 with a water intake hole where the cottonballs wick up water from the water reservoir 971A. To harden the seeds before transplanting, an adjustable air vent 964 can be placed on the lid 962.

[0131] Once the seedlings have achieved a height taller than the height of the collar, they can be transplanted into the system, with the cotton. The cotton serves as a mechanism to wick up water from the atomized nutrient solution during its infancy. To reduce transplant shock, the shock experienced by certain types of seedlings when moved to a different environment, this disclosure proposes two possible solutions.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 15, seedlings can be germinated within the system without transplanting by employing a long cotton wick 990, wherein a majority of the wick is suspended in the atomized nutrient solution, and a seedling 992 can be placed on the top of the cotton wick 990 held by the collar. This allows for the roots to penetrate through the cotton wick 990 and into the reservoir 52 and receive an aeroponic water supply, creating high surface area aeroponic roots early on for rapid growth.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 14B, a custom germination tray capable of aeroponic germination 980 outside of the chamber is possible using the same mechanisms already discussed, where atomizer assemblies 32A fire mist toward the cell-based tray 970 from a larger seed-tray reservoir 971 B. This allows for the roots to penetrate through the cotton ball and into the long reservoir 971 B and receive an aeroponic water supply, creating high surface area aeroponic roots early on for rapid growth.Nanobubbles in Aeroponic and Fogponic Systems

[0134] It has been found that nanobubbles, defined as gas bubbles with diameters less than about 200 nm, exhibit advantageous stability and performance properties compared to conventional aeration methods. Unlike coarse or microbubbles, which typically rise and burst within seconds or minutes, nanobubbles remain suspended in aqueous solution for extended durations, on the order of weeks or even months, without rapid dissipation. This persistenceadvantageously enables the maintenance of elevated dissolved oxygen (DO) levels over long time intervals with reduced energy input.

[0135] Nanobubbles further exhibit high gas transfer efficiency due to their large surface-area-to-volume ratio, and upon collapse may generate localized reactive oxygen species. These combined properties contribute to improved nutrient uptake, enhanced root respiration, suppression of pathogens, and inhibition of biofilm formation within plant growth systems.

[0136] In the context of fogponics, nanobubbles provide a synergistic complement. While fogponic systems deliver ultra-fine droplets for nutrient and moisture absorption in the air-exposed root zone, the underlying aqueous phase may otherwise be susceptible to oxygen depletion and microbial proliferation. By incorporating nanobubbles into this aqueous phase, a dual-domain oxygenation strategy is achieved: roots suspended above receive nutrient-rich fog, while roots contacting the aqueous layer benefit from continuous oxygen enrichment and long-term microbial suppression.

[0137] This combination of fogponic nutrient delivery with nanobubble oxygenation provides a novel and effective improvement over prior aeroponic systems by simultaneously addressing nutrient absorption efficiency in the mist domain and oxygen stability in the aqueous domain. The result is enhanced plant growth, improved resilience of the cultivation system, and reduced maintenance demands relative to conventional approaches.

[0138] In further embodiments of the present disclosure, the aqueous solution within the reservoir may be enriched with nanobubbles to further enhance plant growth performance. Nanobubbles, defined as gas bubbles with diameters less than about 200 nm, are stable in aqueous solutions for extended durations, on the order of weeks or months, thereby maintaining elevated dissolved oxygen concentrations with reduced energy input.

[0139] The incorporation of nanobubbles may be achieved in a variety of ways, including but not limited to, the use of a venturi injector during reservoir refilling, an in-line hydrodynamic generator, or an in-tank diffuser. In certain embodiments, the nanobubbles may be introduced continuously, while in others they may be introduced periodically as part of a replenishment cycle.

[0140] As previously discussed, this integration creates a dual-domain oxygenation strategy. Roots suspended within the fogponic mist domain receive ultrafine nutrient-rich droplets, while roots in contact with the aqueous phase are exposed to continuously oxygenated and microbially stable solution. The synergistic effect results in improved nutrient absorption efficiency, enhanced root respiration, suppression of pathogens, and reduced biofilm formation.

[0141] Accordingly, the combination of fogponic mist delivery with nanobubble-enriched aqueous reservoirs provides improved crop yield, increased resilience against system failure, and reduced maintenance burdens.

[0142] According to some embodiments, there is provided a method of cultivating plants in a fogponic growing system. The method includes at least one of: (i) generating a fog within a growing chamber using at least one UAT supplied by a wicking means; (ii) enriching an aqueous solution in a reservoir of the growing chamber with nanobubbles to maintain an elevated dissolved oxygen level for an extended duration; (iv) enriching the aqueous solution with nanobubbles comprises introducing nanobubbles into the reservoir by passing fluid through a venturi injector during refilling; (v) enriching the aqueous solution with nanobubbles by introducing nanobubbles by a device selected from the group consisting of: an in-tank diffuser, a hydrodynamic nanobubble generator, and a dedicated ultrasonic nanobubble generator; and (vi) maintaining dissolved oxygen concentrations of at least 8 mg / L in the aqueous solution at a temperature between about 20°C and about 22 °C.

[0143] In some embodiments, there is provided a method of using nanobubbles in a fogponic growing system, wherein dissolved oxygen concentration is increased, root respiration is increased, and microbial growth isreduced. In other terms, the present disclosure teaches a use of nanobubbles in a fogponic growing system to improve dissolved oxygen concentration, enhance root respiration, and suppress microbial growth.

[0144] In the previous description, non-limitative embodiments of the method are described. Although these embodiments of the assembly and corresponding parts thereof consist of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperation therebetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations, may be used for the method, as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art. Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such as “above”, “below”, “left”, “right”, “bottom”, “top”, “end” and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and should not be considered limiting.

[0145] Furthermore, in the previous description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features of the present disclosure which are illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and / or dimensions shown in the figures are optional and are given for exemplification purposes only.

[0146] In the present description, an embodiment is an example or embodiment. The various appearances of “one embodiment”, “one embodiment”, “an embodiment” or “some embodiments” do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment or embodiment. Although various features may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the technology may bedescribed herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, it may also be implemented in a single embodiment. Reference in the specification to "some embodiments", "an embodiment", "one embodiment" or "other embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments or embodiment is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments.

[0147] It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are not to be construed as limiting and are for descriptive purpose only. The principles and uses of the teachings of the present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description, figures and examples. It is to be understood that the details set forth herein do not construe a limitation to an application of the disclosure.

[0148] Furthermore, it is to be understood that the disclosure can be carried out or practiced in various ways and that the disclosure can be implemented in embodiments other than the ones outlined in the description above. It is to be understood that the terms "including", "comprising", and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers or groups thereof and that the terms are to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers. If the specification or claims refer to "an additional" element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element. It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to "a" or "an" element, such reference is not to be construed that there is only one of that element. It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic "may", "might", "can" or "could" be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.

[0149] It will be appreciated that the methods described herein may be performed in the described order, or in any suitable order.

[0150] Several alternative embodiments, embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. The embodiments of the technology described above are intended to be exemplary only. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the technology may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the technology is not to be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind. The scope of the technology is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A misting device for aeroponically cultivating plants in a growing chamber provided with a fluid in a reservoir, the misting device comprising: a top plate, having a nozzle; an ultrasonic atomization transducer configured to, in the presence of fluid and upon application of an electrical powering means to the ultrasonic atomization transducer, generate and emit a misting spray from the nozzle; a wick-to-atomizer adapter; and a wicking means of absorbent material, the wicking means having an upper end and a lower end; wherein the ultrasonic atomization transducer is housed between the top plate and the wick-to-atomizer adapter; wherein the upper end of the wicking means is in contact with the wick-to- atomizer adapter, and the lower end of the wicking means is in contact with the reservoir; and wherein the wicking means is configured to transport fluid from the reservoir by capillary action to the ultrasonic atomization transducer, when the lower end of the wicking means is disposed in contact with the reservoir.

2. The misting device of claim 1 , wherein the misting device is provided with biasing means for biasing the wicking means in contact with the wick-to-atomizer adapter.

3. The misting device of claim 1 , wherein the misting device is provided with a controller for activating and deactivating the ultrasonic atomization transducer.

4. The misting device of claim 1 , wherein the nozzle is a dimple nozzle.

5. The misting device of claim 1 , wherein the ultrasonic atomization transducer is a low power ultrasonic atomization transducer.

6. A growing system for aeroponically cultivating plants, the growing system comprising: a growing chamber for containing at least a root zone of the plants, the growing chamber provided with a reservoir adapted to contain fluid; and a plurality of misting devices in accordance with claim 1 disposed inside the growing chamber, each of the plurality of misting devices configured to generate a respective misting spray in the growing chamber.

7. The growing system of claim 6, wherein the plurality of misting devices are oriented such that the respective misting sprays interact with each other to create an ultra-fine mist inside the growing chamber.

8. The growing system of claim 7, wherein the growing chamber additionally comprises a securing means for suspending the plants such that the plants extend out of the growing chamber and the root zones of the plants are disposed inside the growing chamber.

9. The growing system of claim 8, additionally comprising one or more orienting means, securable to the securing means, the orienting means configured to receive the plurality of misting devices and orient the plurality of misting devices such that the respective misting sprays interact with each other to create the ultra-fine mist inside the growing chamber.

10. The growing system of claim 6, additionally comprising a controller for activating and deactivating a respective ultrasonic atomization transducer of one or more of the plurality of misting devices.

11. The growing system of claim 10, additionally comprising one or more sensors located within the growing chamber and in communication with the controller, wherein the controller is configured to receive an input from the one or more sensors and activate or deactivate each of the plurality of misting devices in response to the input from the one or more sensors.

12. The growing system of claim 11 , wherein the one or more sensors are selected from the group consisting of: water level sensors, macronutrient sensors, total dissolved solids sensors, electrical conductivity sensors, pH sensors, and temperature sensors.

13. The growing system of claim 6, additionally comprising lighting means disposed above the growing chamber for providing the plants with light.

14. A system for cultivating plants, comprising a plurality of the growing systems in accordance with claim 6, wherein the plurality of growing systems are stacked vertically atop one another.

15. The growing system of claim 6, wherein the reservoir contains an aqueous solution of fluid and a nutrient, and wherein the growing chamber is configured to provide multiple growing zones of different concentrations of the nutrient, the multiple growing zones comprising: a first mist layer comprising the ultra-fine mist, the first layer having a first concentration of the nutrient; and a second aqueous layer comprising the aqueous solution in the reservoir, the second aqueous layer having a second concentration of the nutrient being greater than the first concentration of the first mist layer.

16. The growing system of claim 15, wherein the reservoir additionally comprises a sediment-based nutrient solution, wherein the multiple growing zones additionally comprise: a third sediment layer comprising the sedimentbased nutrient solution, the third sediment layer having a third concentration of the nutrient being greater than the second concentration of the second aqueous layer.

17. The growing system of claim 6, further comprising nanobubbles production means configured to generate and introduce nanobubbles in the fluid in the reservoir, the nanobubbles being configured to increase the dissolved oxygen levels with respect to the fluid without the nanobubbles.

18. The growing system of claim 17, wherein the nanobubbles production means comprises a venturi injector disposed along a refill line of the reservoir to introduce the nanobubbles into the fluid in the reservoir.

19. The growing system of claim 17, wherein the nanobubbles production means comprises a device to introduce the nanobubbles into the fluid in the reservoir, the device being selected from the group consisting of: an in-tank diffuser, a hydrodynamic nanobubble generator, and a dedicated ultrasonic nanobubble generator.

20. A method of cultivating plants in a fogponic growing system, the method comprising: generating a fog within a growing chamber using at least one ultrasonic atomization transducer supplied by a wicking means; and enriching an aqueous solution in a reservoir of the growing chamber with nanobubbles to maintain an elevated dissolved oxygen level for an extended duration.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein enriching the aqueous solution with nanobubbles comprises introducing nanobubbles into the reservoir by passing fluid through a venturi injector during refilling.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein enriching the aqueous solution with nanobubbles comprises introducing nanobubbles by a device selected from the group consisting of: an in-tank diffuser, a hydrodynamic nanobubble generator, and a dedicated ultrasonic nanobubble generator.

23. The method of claim 20, further comprising maintaining dissolved oxygen concentrations of at least 8 mg / L in the aqueous solution at a temperature between 20°C and 22 °C.

24. A method of using nanobubbles in a fogponic growing system, wherein dissolved oxygen concentration is increased, root respiration is increased, and microbial growth is reduced.

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