Atomiser casing

Abstract

An atomiser casing (2) for fixing in an aperture in an aeroponics container is disclosed, the atomiser casing having a main body comprising a cap (4) and a stem (6), wherein the cap comprises an acoustic transmitting portion (10) and wherein the cap is wider than the stem; a fixing portion (8) for connecting to the main body; and a holder in the main body for holding an atomisation plate in acoustic contact with the acoustic transmitting portion. Also disclosed is an aeroponics apparatus incorporating the atomiser casing and a method of growing crops using such aeroponic apparatus.

Description

[0001] ATOMISER CASING

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to atomiser casings, to containers comprising atomiser casings, and to aeroponics apparatus containing such casings. The present invention also relates to methods of growing crops using such aeroponics apparatus.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0005] Aeroponic systems supply crops with water and nutrients by spraying roots suspended below a plant support with an aqueous nutrient-rich solution. The plant support works to support the plant and prevent aerosol interacting with the plant leaves and crowns, whilst at the same time ensuring aerosol is contained in the root chamber. Aeroponic systems allow air to contact both the canopy and the roots of the crop plants so the crops grow with a plentiful supply of oxygen, carbon dioxide, water, and nutrients. Improved aeration of the roots is one of the advantages of aeroponics over hydroponics.

[0006] Ultrasonic atomisers have also been used to generate aerosol droplets for aeroponic applications. WO-A-2019 / 073073 discloses aeroponics apparatus which includes a grow bed tray and an atomiser for atomising nutrient solution, the atomiser located at the base of the grow bed tray and comprising of an ultrasonic transducer.

[0007] Typically, ultrasonic atomiser modules for use in aeroponics systems comprise an atomisation plate (sometimes referred to as a disc), a printed circuit board (PCB) and related structural parts assembled together. These components may be assembled together in a holder or casing and mounted, by means of fasteners. However, mounting and / or replacing ultrasonic atomisers may be labour intensive in commercial operations and may increase the cost of critical repair and maintenance. In addition, the use of fasteners for mounting the casing may reduce the strength and water integrity of the overall aeroponics apparatus, adding to the number of leak paths in the system, potentially leading to failure of the module and / or apparatus. Another problem with known atomiser casings is that their form is not usually optimised for aeroponic applications, and they often have multiple surfaces contacted by nutrient solution (which may encourage mould and / or bacterial growth) and raised surfaces requiring a higher volume of nutrient solution to ensure the atomiser surface maintains contact with nutrient solution, in use. Commercial ultrasonic atomiser modules are typically bought for aeroponics applications “off the shelf ’ i.e. they have not been optimised for aeroponics operations by their manufacturer, and instead are sold to cater to multiple types of end users simultaneously e.g. atomisation humidifiers, fragrance diffusers, medical atomisers etc.

[0008] Thus, there remains a need to provide improved atomiser casing designs for aeroponics containers which overcome problems with the prior art.

[0009] It is an aim of the present invention to address this need.

[0010] SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0011] The present invention accordingly provides in a first aspect, an atomiser casing for fixing in an aperture in an aeroponics container, the atomiser casing comprising, a) a main body comprising a cap and a stem, wherein the cap comprises an acoustic transmitting portion; b) a fixing portion for connecting to the main body; and c) a holder in the main body for holding an atomisation module in acoustic contact with the acoustic transmitting portion.

[0012] Preferably, the cap is wider than the stem.

[0013] In a second aspect there is provided, an aeroponics container having at least one aperture and having fixed therein at least one atomiser casing according to the first aspect.

[0014] In a third aspect there is provided, an aeroponics apparatus comprising an aeroponics container and at least one atomiser casing according to the first aspect.

[0015] In a fourth aspect there is provided, an aeroponics apparatus for commercial operation, the aeroponics apparatus comprising; i) a grow bed tray having a base and at least two side-walls, the grow-bed tray being adapted to hold a plant support at a position spaced from the base of the grow bed tray, ii) an ultrasonic atomiser for atomising a nutrient solution, the ultrasonic atomiser being at least partially housed within an atomiser casing according to the first aspect.

[0016] In a fifth aspect there is provided, a method of growing crops, the method comprising the steps of; i) providing an aeroponics apparatus comprising a grow bed tray having a base and at least two side-walls, the grow bed tray being adapted to hold a plant support at a position spaced from the grow bed tray, the grow bed tray further comprising an ultrasonic atomiser for atomising a nutrient solution, wherein the ultrasonic atomiser is at least partially housed within an atomiser casing according to the first aspect, ii) providing crops in the plant support, and iii) providing nutrient solution at the base of the grow bed tray and atomising the nutrient solution so that the atomised aerosol nutrient solution contacts at least the roots of the crops.

[0017] The present invention accordingly provides in a sixth aspect a kit of parts operable to be assembled into an atomiser casing according to the first aspect.

[0018] In a seventh aspect there is provided, use of an atomiser casing according to the first aspect, in the maintenance and / or repair of an aeroponics apparatus.

[0019] Atomiser casing

[0020] Suitably, the components of the atomiser casing may be made from metal and / or plastic. Suitably, the components of the atomiser casing may be made from metal and plastic. For example, the portion of the atomiser casing in contact with nutrient solution may be made of plastic and the remaining portions may be made of metal. Suitably the components of the atomiser casing may be made from plastic. Suitably, the atomiser casing may be made from plastic comprising acrylonitrile butadiene (ABS), polyamide and / or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), or other plastics.

[0021] The components of commercial scale aeroponics systems may be subject to significant mechanical vibration in use. Thus, suitably, the atomiser casing further comprises damping washers / vibration isolation washers. The damping washers / vibration isolation washers may be made from any suitable material. Suitably, the damping washers / vibration isolation washers may be made from neoprene rubber.

[0022] Main body

[0023] Suitably, the cap and stem may be a manufactured as a single piece i.e. may be of uniform construction. Alternatively, the cap and stem may be manufactured as separate pieces that are joined together.

[0024] The cap and stem may be of generally any shape provided that the cap is wider than the stem. Suitably, the cross-section of the cap may be round and may be substantially circular. Suitably, the cross-section of the stem may be round and may be substantially circular. Thus, suitably at least one cross-section of the main body may be substantially circular.

[0025] Suitably, the cap may be configured to sit approximately flush with the surface of the aeroponics container, helping to provide a mechanical seal.

[0026] The acoustic transmitting portion may be made of any suitable material capable of transmitting acoustic waves. Suitably, the acoustic transmitting portion may be made from the same material as the cap i.e. the cap may be uniform in construction. However, the cap may comprise a separate region (e.g. of a material) that has different acoustic transmission properties relative to the rest of the cap. Preferably, for example, the acoustic transmitting portion may be an aperture. Where present, the aperture may be of generally any shape but suitably, the aperture may be round, for example, circular or substantially circular.

[0027] Suitably, the edges of the cap may be tapered to minimise contact surface for the build-up of dirt, mould and bacterial growth etc when the cap is in contact with a nutrient solution. Suitably, the edges of the cap may be tapered such that the rim of the cap sits flush with the surface of an aeroponics container when in use.

[0028] Suitably, a screw thread may be integrated into an internal or external diameter of the cap. Suitably, a screw thread may be integrated into an external diameter of the cap.

[0029] Suitably, a screw thread may be integrated into an internal or external diameter of the stem. Suitably, a screw thread may be integrated into an external diameter of the stem.

[0030] Suitably, the main body may comprise one or more sealing means to seal against liquid and / or gas flow. The sealing means may be any suitable compressible material. Suitably the sealing means may be a gasket. Suitably the sealing means may be an O-ring. Suitably, the O-rings may be made from silicone rubber i.e. the O-rings may be silicone rubber O-rings. Sealing means may be placed anywhere in the system as appropriate e.g. when a watertight seal is required. Sealing means may be present on the underside (i.e. below the surface defined by the aperture) and / or overside (i.e. above the surface defined by the aperture) of the aeroponics container. Suitably, the sealing means may be present on the overside of the aeroponics container. Suitably, the sealing means may be present on the underside of the aeroponics container. Suitably, the cap and / or stem may comprise gripping means to allow them to be gripped more easily e.g. textured regions and / or flat regions. Suitably the textured regions may be ribbed or knurled.

[0031] Suitably, the cap and / or stem may comprise strengthening means to reinforce the strength of the cap and / or stem in a particular region that is subject to force in use, and / or add stiffness and / or prevent warping. Suitably the strengthening means may comprise one or more regions of thickened plastic and / or metal or reinforced plastic and / or metal, or both. Suitably the strengthening means may comprise one or more ribs and / or webs and / or gussets.

[0032] Fixing portion

[0033] The fixing portion may be any suitable shape. Suitably, the fixing portion may have a round shape, and may have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0034] Suitably, the fixing portion may comprise strengthening means to reinforce the strength of the fixing portion in a particular region that is subject to force in use, and / or add stiffness and / or prevent warping. Suitably the strengthening means may comprise one or more regions of thickened plastic and / or metal or reinforced plastic and / or metal, or both. Suitably the strengthening means may comprise one or more ribs and / or webs and / or gussets.

[0035] Suitably, when the atomiser casing is being used, the fixing portion may be placed in an aperture of the aeroponics container before the cap and / or stem is connected to the fixing portion.

[0036] The fixing portion may be held in an aperture of the of the aeroponics container by friction or held in the aperture by fixing portions etc and connected, reversibly or non-reversibly, to the container. Suitably, the fixing portion is held in the aperture of the aeroponics container by means of an interference fit i.e. it is held in the aperture of the aeroponics container by friction and no additional means is required to connect the fixing portion to the aeroponics container.

[0037] Suitably, the fixing portion may be held in the aperture of the aeroponics container. Suitably, the fixing portion may be held in the aperture of the aeroponics container by means of sealant and / or glue. Suitably the fixing portion and aperture may contain complimentary screw-threads that may allow the fixing portion to be screwed into the aperture or vice versa i.e. the fixing portion may be held in the aperture by means of a screw fit. Suitably, the main body and fixing portion may also comprise complimentary screw threads so that the main body may be screwed into the fixing portion.

[0038] The fixing portion may be fitted by placing in an aperture of the aeroponics container from above or below.

[0039] In an alternative aspect, the fixing portion may not be held in an aperture of the aeroponics container. Suitably, the fixing portion may be held underneath the aperture of the aeroponics container and connect to the stem of the main body that passes through the aperture. Thus, suitably, the fixing means may be adapted to press the aeroponics container against the main body from underneath the aeroponics container.

[0040] Optionally, the fixing means may be integral to the container. For example, the fixing means may be moulded into the aeroponics container during production.

[0041] The cap and / or stem of the main body and the fixing portion may be connected by any suitable means. Suitably, the fixing portion may contain screw threads integrated into an internal or external diameter of it, that renders it suitable to receive screw threads from the cap and / or stem. Thus, suitably, the cap and / or stem and fixing portion are connected by means of a screw fit. Screw-fitting components are particularly advantageous, because they reduces the number of parts required for installation and means that preparing and / or repairing a grow bed tray may be carried out by lower-skilled labour.

[0042] Suitably, the main body, fixing portion and aperture may all contain complimentary screw threads, so that the fixing portion may be screwed into the aperture and the main body may be screwed into the fixing portion.

[0043] The cap and / or stem may be connected to the fixing portion from above or below a surface of the aeroponics container. Suitably, the cap and / or stem may be connected to the fixing portion from above a surface of the aeroponics container. Connecting the cap and / or stem to the fixing portion from above a surface of the aeroponics container is particularly advantageous, because when the atomiser casing is in use it allows the end-user to simply drop an assembled atomiser down into the grow bed tray from above, without the need to access the underneath of the bed, thereby accelerating the process of preparing and / or repairing a grow bed tray of an aeroponics system. It also means that atomiser units may be removed / replaced in a modular fashion without the need to shutdown other components of the grow bed tray. Thus, optionally, the fixing means may be placed in an aperture of the aeroponics container from above and the cap and / or stem may be screwed into the fixing means from above.

[0044] Holder

[0045] Suitably, the holder in the main body may also be adapted, in use, to hold a PCB. Suitably, the holder in the main body may also, in use, also hold an electronic cable. Suitably, the holder in the main body may also, in use, hold an electronic connector for connecting the electronic cable to an electricity supply. Suitably, the holder in the main body, in use, holds a PCB and / or an electronic cable and / or an electronic connector.

[0046] Suitably, the holder may comprise a sealant (often referred to colloquially in the art as “potting compound”) which sets during assembly of the casing and an ultrasonic atomiser. Any suitable sealant / potting compound may be used. Although, suitably, the sealant / potting compound comprises one or more compounds selected from the group comprising of; epoxy sealants and / or polyamide sealants and / or silicone sealants and / or rubber sealants.

[0047] The potting compound may be made from a water-soluble polymer (WSP), suitably polyvinyl alcohol. Suitably, the potting compound may be made from a WSP that hydrolyses slowly over time. Using a WSP as the potting compound enables the PCB and / or atomisation disc and / or electronic cable to be removed, replaced, and, recycled in order to minimise waste.

[0048] Suitably, the holder may be pre-fabricated. Suitably, the holder may be pre-fabricated and manufactured by injection moulding.

[0049] Suitably, the holder, in use, holds the electronic cable and / or electronic connector such that the electronic cable extends downwardly from the assembled module facing i.e. downwards through the aperture of the aeroponics container.

[0050] This arrangement improves ease of access for maintenance / repair and reduces the possibility of interaction of electronic cables with nutrient solution. The arrangement is particularly advantageous in commercial aeroponics operations, because it allows the atomiser casing and aeroponics container to be moulded, produced and pre-assembled with the atomisation disc, printed circuit board (PCB) and related structural parts in place, and the electronic cable may be added later (e.g. on site by an end user) by directly attaching it to the PCB. Suitably, the holder, in use, holds the electronic cable and / or electronic connector such that it extends downwardly from the assembled module facing and sits approximately flush with the base of the atomiser casing. Suitably, the holder, in use, holds the electronic cable and / or electronic connector such that it exits an assembled module at the side of the atomiser casing.

[0051] Atomisation plate

[0052] As would be appreciated by the person skilled in the art, atomisation plates are sometimes referred to as atomisation discs. The atomisation disc may, in use, generate mist.

[0053] The atomisation disc may be an ultrasonic nebulizer / ultrasonically driven nebulizer that may use ultrasonic energy (i.e. vibrations at a frequency above the audible range) to generate droplets (e.g. aerosols) for aeroponic uses. The ultrasonic nebulizer may be an ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic transducer may comprise a piezoelectric transducer. Each ultrasonic transducer may have a resonant frequency, preferably in the kilohertz or megahertz range, and more preferably in the range 200 kHz to 100 MHz.

[0054] The atomisation disc may comprise a piezoelectric (piezoceramic) plate mounted within a rubber sealing ring / gasket. The atomisation disc 26 (which need not be circular but could be generally any suitable shape) may be an ultrasonic mist generator for generating mist, in use. The atomisation disc may, in use, be in ultrasonic contact with a nutrient solution and generate mist ultrasonically.

[0055] The atomisation plate of the invention may be of any suitable shape. Suitably, the atomisation plate may be circular or approximately circular.

[0056] Definitions

[0057] As used herein the term “comprising” means “including at least in part of’ and is meant to be inclusive or open ended. When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term “comprising”, features, elements and / or steps other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprises” are to be interpreted in the same manner. The term “consisting essentially of’ limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps “and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s)” of the claimed invention. When the phrase “consisting essentially of’ appears in a clause of the body of a claim, rather than immediately following the preamble, it limits only the element set forth in that clause.

[0058] The term “consisting of’ excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim; “consisting of’ defined as “closing the claim to the inclusion of materials other than those recited except for impurities ordinarily associated therewith. When the phrase “consists of’ appears in a clause of the body of a claim, rather than immediately following the preamble, it limits only the element set forth in that clause; other elements are not excluded from the claim as a whole. It should be understood that while various embodiments in the specification are presented using “comprising” language, under various circumstances, a related embodiment is also described using “consisting essentially of’ or “consisting of’ language.

[0059] Further particular and preferred aspects are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims.

[0060] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described further, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0062] Figure l is a perspective view from above of an atomiser assembly;

[0063] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the atomiser assembly of Figure 1 from below;

[0064] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the atomiser assembly of Figure 1;

[0065] Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of an aeroponics grow bed tray.

[0066] Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of an atomiser assembly 2, comprising a cap 4, a stem 6 and a fixing portion 8 attached to the stem by means of a screw thread (not visible in Figure 1). The cap comprises an acoustic transmitting portion 10, which in the depicted embodiment of the present invention is an aperture. The cap comprises edges 12 which are tapered, so that the cap of the main body sits approximately flush with the surface of the aeroponics container once the atomiser casing is installed in an aperture of an aeroponics container for use. Stem textured gripping portions 14 and fixing portion texture gripping portions 16, and non-textured gripping portions 15 on the stem and non-textured gripping portions on the fixing portion 17, improve the grip ability of the atomiser casing components and thus ease of assembly. In the arrangements shown in figure 1, an electronic cable 18 and associated electronic connector 20 exit the holder (not visible in Figure 1) directed downwards from the holder distal to the cap 4. This ensures that once the atomiser casing is installed in an aperture of an aeroponics container for use, the electronic cable 18 and electronic connector 20 will pass downwards through the aperture of the aeroponics container and be accessible from the underside of the container. Amongst other things, this reduces the possibility of the electronic cable 18 and electronic connector 20 coming into contact with nutrient solution from an aeroponics container when in use.

[0067] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the atomiser casing of Figure 1 from below. A face of the holder 21 may be seen. In the depicted embodiment, the holder 21 protects the PCB 24 (not visible in Figure 2), atomisation disc 26 (not visible in Figure 2) and related parts (not visible in Figure 2) and shields them from view.

[0068] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the atomiser assembly of Figure 1, depicting how the main components of the atomiser casing (cap 4, stem 6, fixing means 8, holder 21) interact with additional components to create a functioning atomiser module for use in an aeroponics container. The holder 21 holds a PCB 24 and atomisation disc 26, which are connected together by a connector 28. The atomisation disc 26 comprises a piezoelectric (piezoceramic) plate mounted within a rubber sealing ring / gasket. The atomisation disc 26 (which need not be circular, but could be generally any suitable shape) is for generating mist, in use. The electronic cable 18 is connected at one end to the PCB 24 and the other end of the cable features an electronic connector 20 for connection to an electrical power supply (not depicted). In figure 3, an internal screw thread 30 of the fixing portion 8 may be seen. Thus, in the depicted embodiment the fixing portion is connected to the stem of the main body by means of screwfitting. Sealing ‘O’ ring (of e.g. silicon rubber, not shown) may be placed in ‘O’ ring seat 7 on the underside of the cap 4. Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of an aeroponics container 110 (also known as a grow bed tray) that comprises a series of apertures 112. In use, the fixing portion of the atomiser casing 8 is placed into the aperture of 112 of the aeroponic container 110. The cap 4 or stem 6 of the atomiser casing is then connected to the fixing portion 8. In some embodiments, this connection is achieved by a screw thread in the fixing portion 30 being adapted to receive a screw thread present on an internal or external diameter of the cap 4 or stem 6. Screw-fixing has the advantage that it is operationally simple to perform and does not require specialist tools or knowledge. In some embodiments, sealing means may be used to improve the sealing between the fixing portion 8 and the aperture of the aeroponics container 110, and / or improve the sealing between the cap 4 and / or stem 6 and the fixing portion 8.

[0069] Reference Numerals

[0070] 2 atomiser module / assembly

[0071] 4 cap of main body of atomiser casing

[0072] 6 stem of main body of atomiser casing

[0073] 8 fixing portion of atomiser casing

[0074] 7 ‘O’ ring seat

[0075] 10 acoustic transmitting portion

[0076] 12 edges of cap

[0077] 14 textured gripping means on stem

[0078] 15 non-textured gripping means on stem

[0079] 16 textured gripping means on fixing portion

[0080] 17 non-textured gripping means on fixing portion

[0081] 18 electronic cable

[0082] 20 electronic connector

[0083] 21 holder

[0084] 24 PCB

[0085] 26 atomisation disc

[0086] 28 connector

[0087] 30 internal screw thread of fixing portion

[0088] 110 aeroponics container 112 aperture of aeroponics grow bed tray

[0089] Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiment and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0090] The disclosures of the published documents referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An atomiser casing for fixing in an aperture in an aeroponics container, the atomiser casing comprising, a) a main body comprising a cap and a stem, wherein the cap comprises an acoustic transmitting portion ; b) a fixing portion for connecting to the main body; and c) a holder in the main body for holding an atomisation plate in acoustic contact with the acoustic transmitting portion.

2. The atomiser casing according to claim 1, wherein the cap is configured to sit approximately flush with the surface of the aeroponics container.

3. The atomiser casing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the atomiser casing comprises metal and / or plastic, preferably plastic.

4. The atomiser casing according to claim 3, wherein the plastic comprises acrylonitrile butadiene (ABS), polyamide and / or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA).

5. The atomiser casing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body has a cross-section that is round, optionally substantially circular.

6. The atomiser casing according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the atomiser casing further comprises one or more sealing rings.

7. The atomiser casing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body comprises one or more sealing rings.

8. The atomiser casing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing portion comprises one or more sealing rings.

9. The atomiser casing according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the sealing rings are O-rings, preferably silicone rubber O-rings.

10. The atomiser casing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the atomiser casing further comprises one or more damping washers.

11. The atomiser casing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the acoustic transmitting portion is an acoustic transmitting aperture.

12. The atomiser casing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the acoustic transmitting portion has a round circumference, optionally a substantially circular circumference.

13. The atomiser casing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing portion is for connecting to the cap and / or stem of the main body and allowing the atomiser casing to be fixed in the aperture of the aeroponics container.

14. The atomiser casing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body and the fixing portion each comprise a screw thread for connecting the fixing portion to the main body.

15. The atomiser casing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder is also for holding a printed circuit board (PCB) in electrical connection with the atomisation plate.

16. The atomiser casing according to claim 15, wherein the holder is also for holding an electronic cable in electrical connection with the atomisation plate and / or PCB.

17. The atomiser casing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in use, the atomisation plate is fixed in the holder and the holder comprises a sealant.

18. The atomiser casing according to claim 17, wherein the sealant comprises one or more compounds selected from the group comprising; epoxy sealants, polyamide sealants, silicone sealants, sealants, and mixtures thereof.

19. An aeroponics container having at least one aperture and having fixed therein at least one atomiser casing according to any one of the preceding claims.

20. The aeroponics container according to claim 19, wherein the container comprises a grow bed tray of an aeroponics apparatus, preferably an aeroponics apparatus for commercial use.

21. An aeroponics apparatus comprising an aeroponics container and at least one atomiser casing according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

22. An aeroponics apparatus for commercial operation, the aeroponics apparatus comprising; i) a grow bed tray having a base and at least two side-walls, the grow-bed tray being adapted to hold a plant support at a position spaced from the base of the grow bed tray, and ii) an ultrasonic atomiser for atomising a nutrient solution, the ultrasonic atomiser being at least partially housed within an atomiser casing according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

23. A method of growing crops, the method comprising the steps of; i) providing an aeroponics apparatus comprising a grow bed tray having a base and at least two side-walls, the grow bed tray being adapted to hold a plant support at a position spaced from the grow bed tray, the grow bed tray further comprising an ultrasonic atomiser for atomising a nutrient solution, wherein the ultrasonic atomiser is at least partially housed within an atomiser casing according to any one of claims 1 to 18,ii) providing crops in the plant support, and iii) providing nutrient solution at the base of the grow bed tray and atomising the nutrient solution so that the atomised aerosol nutrient solution contacts at least the roots of the crops.

24. A kit of parts comprising parts operable to be assembled into an atomiser casing according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

25. Use of an atomiser casing according to any one of claims 1 to 18 in the maintenance and / or repair of an aeroponics apparatus.

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