Tray conveying apparatus for vertical farming

Abstract

A plant receptacle conveying apparatus for a vertical farming system is provided, the apparatus comprising: a platform for supporting a plant receptacle; a stand for supporting the platform; a first actuator for raising and / or lowering the platform; and a second actuator for laterally moving the platform or a part thereof. Related systems and methods are also provided.

Description

TITLETRAY CONVEYING APPARATUS FOR VERTICAL FARMINGFIELD

[0001] This invention relates to vertical farming. More particularly, the invention relates to automated conveying of trays for plant cultivation, including vertical conveying of trays, in a vertical farming setting.BACKGROUND

[0002] Crop production is performed on a vast scale globally. In 2021 , for example, 9.5 billion tonnes of primary crops were produced.

[0003] Currently, most crop production occurs on large, industrial farms. Industrial farming has revolutionised food production over the last 70 years, facilitating provision of a wide range relatively inexpensive, calorie-dense food products. While industrialised agriculture was hailed, at least by many, as a panacea for feeding an expanding global population, conventional industrial agricultural practices have ultimately proved to have significant problems.

[0004] Critically, industrial agricultural practices are associated with extreme environmental degradation, such that current approaches to crop production are considered unsustainable. Additionally, climate change, in part driven by industrial agricultural practices, is on track to dramatically constrain industrial agriculture using current approaches.

[0005] Vertical farming involves growing crops using artificial structures in a generally ‘vertically stacked’ or ‘vertically layered’ arrangement. Typically, vertical farming relies on artificial delivery of water and nutrients and / or artificial control of growth conditions such as light and temperature. Functioning vertical farms of substantial scale are a relatively recent phenomenon, with significant developments having occurred in the last decade.

[0006] A desirable feature of vertical farming is its ability to provide increased crop yield per unit area of land, as compared to conventional industrial agriculture. Additionally, vertical farming systems can be situated completely indoors, providing protection against adverse or extreme weather conditions that can affect conventional outdoor cropping. Vertical farming also offers potential for production of a range of crop types within a shared system, by targeted adjustment of growth conditions.

[0007] Despite the enormous potential of vertical farming, there are a number of challenges associated with existing vertical farming systems. One major challenge relates to conveying of receptacles, such as trays, within which crops are grown in vertical farming systems.

[0008] Effectiveness of crop production within a vertical farming system is significantly affected by parameters relating to tray conveying within the system. In attempting to optimise crop production using vertical farming systems, constraints with respect to speed and / or stability of tray conveying can be particularly relevant.

[0009] In at least some instances, performance characteristics - e.g. in terms of speed and / or stability - of vertical conveying (raising and / or lowering) of trays, such as for moving trays to a desired level of a vertically stacked growth arrangement, represents a particularly important constraint for existing vertical farming systems.

[0010] In at least some instances, performance characteristics - e.g. in terms of speed and / or stability - of lateral conveying of trays, such as for placing trays on and / or removing trays from a vertically stacked growth arrangement, represents a particularly important constraint for existing vertical farming systems.

[0011] With the preceding in mind, new approaches for receptacle conveying for vertical farming would be desirable. In at least some instances, it could be desirable to develop new approaches offering benefits in terms of speed and / or stability of receptacle conveying. In at least some instances, it could be particularly desirable to develop new approaches offering benefits in terms of speed and / or stability of vertical receptacle conveying. In at least some instances, it could be particularly desirable to develop new approaches offering benefits in terms of speed and / or stability of lateral receptacle conveying.

[0012] The reference to prior art in the background is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or suggestion that the referenced prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or in any other country.SUMMARY

[0013] A first aspect of the invention provides a plant receptacle conveying apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a platform for supporting a plant receptacle; a stand for supporting the platform; and an actuator for raising and / or lowering the platform. In embodiments, the actuator is for raising and lowering the platform.

[0014] Suitably, the platform of the apparatus of the first aspect is movably connected with the stand, wherein raising and / or lowering of the platform with the actuator moves the platform relative to the stand. Suitably, the actuator of the apparatus is connected with the platform and the stand.

[0015] Suitably, the apparatus of the first aspect is for conveying a plant receptacle that is a plant tray. The plant tray may be an elongated plant tray. The plant tray may be substantially rectangular.

[0016] Suitably, the apparatus of the first aspect is for conveying a plant receptacle within a vertical farming system. In embodiments, the raising and / or lowering of the platform of the apparatus with the actuator is for moving the platform to a level of a plurality of levels of a growth rack of a vertical farming system.

[0017] In embodiments, the apparatus of the first aspect comprises first and second actuators, wherein the first actuator is the actuator for raising and / or lowering the platform; and the second actuator is for laterally moving the platform or a part thereof.

[0018] In embodiments, the second actuator is for moving the platform or a part thereof to place a plant receptacle on and / or remove a plant receptacle from a level of a growth rack of a vertical farming system. Suitably, the second actuator is of or connected with the platform.

[0019] The connection of the platform of the apparatus with the stand of the apparatus may be a linearly movable connection, wherein raising and / or lowering of the platform with the actuator, such as the first actuator, substantially linearly moves the platform relative to the stand.

[0020] In embodiments, the platform of the apparatus, or a part thereof, is in geared or cogged connection with the stand, wherein raising and / or lowering of the platform with the actuator, such as the first actuator, involves rotation of a gear or cog connecting the platform, or part thereof, and the stand.

[0021] In embodiments, the platform of the apparatus, or a part thereof, is slidably connected with the stand, wherein raising and / or lowering of the platform with the actuator, such as the first actuator, slides the platform, or part thereof, relative to the stand.

[0022] In embodiments, the stand of the apparatus of the first aspect comprises one or more stand supports for connection with the platform. The one or standsupports may comprise one or more longitudinally extended stand support members. Suitably, the stand support members comprise a first end; and a second end.

[0023] In embodiments, the stand support members comprise one or more substantially vertical stand support members. Suitably, the substantially vertical stand support members comprise a first end that is an upper end; and a second end that is a lower end.

[0024] In embodiments, the stand of the apparatus of the first aspect comprises one or more stand braces for bracing the one or more stand supports. The stand braces may comprise one or more longitudinally extended stand brace members.

[0025] In embodiments, the stand brace members comprise one or more substantially horizontal stand brace members. In embodiments, one or more of the substantially horizontal stand brace members extend between respective substantially vertical stand support members of the stand.

[0026] In embodiments, the substantially horizontal stand brace members of the stand comprise one or more first or upper stand brace members extending between respective substantially vertical stand support members at, near, or towards respective first ends of the stand support members.

[0027] In embodiments, the substantially horizontal stand brace members of the stand comprise one or more second or lower stand brace members extending between respective substantially vertical stand support members at, near, or towards respective second ends of the stand support members.

[0028] The platform of the apparatus of the first aspect, or part thereof, may be in geared or cogged connection with the one or more stand supports, such as with one or more of the substantially vertical stand support members, wherein raising and / or lowering of the platform involves rotation of a gear or cog connecting the platform, or part thereof, and the one or more stand supports.

[0029] The platform of the apparatus of the first aspect, or part thereof, may be slidably connected with the one or more stand supports, such as one or more of the substantially vertical stand support members, wherein raising and / or lowering of the platform, or part thereof, slides the platform relative to the one or more stand supports.

[0030] The platform of the apparatus of the first aspect may comprise a base portion; and an engaging portion. Suitably, the engaging portion is for supporting theplant receptacle. Suitably, the base portion is for supporting the engaging portion. In embodiments, the engaging portion of the platform is movably connected with the base portion, wherein the engaging portion is movable relative to the base portion.

[0031] Suitably, the second actuator of the apparatus of the first aspect is connected with the engaging portion and the base portion of the platform. In embodiments, the second actuator is for laterally moving the engaging portion of the platform relative to the base portion of the platform.

[0032] In embodiments, the platform engaging portion of the platform is linearly movably connected with the platform base portion, wherein lateral movement of the engaging portion with the second actuator substantially linearly moves the engaging portion relative to the base portion.

[0033] In embodiments, the platform engaging portion, or a part thereof, is in geared or cogged connection with the platform base portion, wherein lateral movement of the engaging portion with the second actuator involves rotation of a gear or cog connecting the platform engaging portion, or part thereof, and the platform base portion.

[0034] In embodiments, platform engaging portion, or a part thereof, is slidably connected with the platform base portion, wherein lateral movement of the platform engaging portion with the second actuator slides the platform engaging portion, or part thereof, relative to the platform base portion.

[0035] The platform of the apparatus of the first aspect, or the base portion and / or the engaging portion thereof, may comprise a plurality of arms. Suitably, each of the plurality of arms comprises a first arm end; and a second arm end. The first arm end may be a front arm end; and the second arm end may be a rear arm end.

[0036] In embodiments, the engaging portion of the platform comprises a plurality of engaging portion arms. In embodiments, the engaging portion comprises two, three, or four engaging portion arms. Suitably, each of the plurality of engaging portion arms comprises a first engaging portion arm end; and a second engaging portion arm end.

[0037] Suitably, the plurality of engaging portion arms of the platform engaging portion are for supporting the plant receptacle thereacross. In embodiments, the plurality of engaging portion arms comprise a plurality of first or upper surfaces,wherein the plant receptacle can be supported extending across at least a part of the first surfaces.

[0038] In embodiments, the first surfaces of the engaging portion arms comprise one or more engaging parts, such as protrusions and / or indentations, for engagement with one or more respective engaging parts, such as protrusions and / or indentations, of the plant receptacle.

[0039] In embodiments, the base portion of the platform comprises a plurality of base portion arms. In embodiments, the base portion comprises two, three, or four base portion arms. Suitably, each of the plurality of base portion arms comprises a first base portion arm end; and a second base portion arm end.

[0040] Suitably, the plurality of base portion arms are for supporting the engaging portion of the platform. In embodiments, the plurality of base portion arms comprise a plurality of first or upper surfaces, wherein the engaging portion of the platform is supported extending across at least a part of the first surfaces.

[0041] In embodiments, the plurality of engaging portion arms of the engaging portion of the platform are for movable connection with the plurality of base portion arms of the base portion of the platform. In embodiments, a respective arm of the plurality of engaging portion arms is movably connected with a respective arm of the plurality of base portion arms.

[0042] Suitably, the engaging portion arms are linearly movably connected with the base portion arms, wherein lateral movement of the platform engaging portion with the second actuator substantially linearly moves the engaging portion arms relative to the base portion arms.

[0043] In embodiments, one or more of the engaging portion arms are in geared or cogged connection with a respective one or more of the base portion arms, wherein lateral movement of the platform engaging portion with the second actuator involves rotation of a gear or cog connecting the one or more engaging portion arms and the respective one or more base portion arms.

[0044] In embodiments, one or more inner engaging portions arms of the engaging portion of the platform are in geared or cogged connection with a respective one or more inner base portion arms of the base portion of the platform.

[0045] In embodiments, one or more of the engaging portion arms are slidably connected with a respective one or more of the base portion arms, wherein lateralmovement of the platform engaging portion with the second actuator slides the one or more engaging portions arms relative to the respective one or more base portion arms.

[0046] In embodiments, one or more outer engaging portion arms of the engaging portion of the platform are slidably connected with a respective one or more outer base portion arms of the base portion of the platform.

[0047] The platform of the apparatus of the first aspect, or the base portion and / or the engaging portion thereof, may comprise one or more platform braces. In embodiments, the one or more platform braces extend between the plurality of arms of the platform.

[0048] In embodiments, the engaging portion of the platform comprises one or more engaging portion braces. The one or more engaging portion braces may comprise an engaging portion brace extending between the plurality of engaging portion arms. In embodiments, the engaging portion brace extending between the plurality of engaging portion arms extends at or towards the second end of the plurality of engaging portion arms.

[0049] In embodiments, the engaging portion brace of the platform engaging portion comprises one or more first or upper surfaces. The first surfaces of the engaging portion brace may be substantially coplanar with the plurality of first surfaces of the engaging portion arms.

[0050] In embodiments, the base portion of the platform comprises one or more base portion braces. The one or more base portion braces may comprise a first base portion brace extending between the plurality of base portion arms. In embodiments, the first base portion brace extending between the plurality of base portion arms extends at or towards the second end of the plurality of base portion arms.

[0051] In embodiments, the first base portion brace of the platform base portion comprises one or more first or upper surfaces. The first surfaces of the first base portion brace may be substantially coplanar with the plurality of first surfaces of the base portion arms.

[0052] The one or more base portion braces of the platform base portion may comprise a second base portion brace extending at or towards the second end of the plurality of base portion arms. In embodiments, the second base portion brace comprises one or more first or front surfaces. The first surfaces of the second baseportion brace may be substantially perpendicular to the plurality of first surfaces of the base portion arms.

[0053] In embodiments, the first surface of the second base portion brace is substantially perpendicular to the first surface of the first base portion brace. In embodiments, the second base portion brace is attached, such as perpendicularly attached, to the first base portion brace.

[0054] Suitably, the base portion of the platform of the apparatus of the first aspect is movably connected with the stand of the apparatus. In embodiments, the base portion of the platform of the apparatus is linearly movably connected with the stand of the apparatus.

[0055] In embodiments, the base portion of the platform of the apparatus, or a part thereof, is in geared or cogged connection with the stand of the apparatus.

[0056] In embodiments, one or more of the base portion braces, or a part thereof, of the base portion of the platform is in geared or cogged connection with one or more of the stand supports of the stand.

[0057] In embodiments, the second base portion brace, or a part thereof, of the base portion of the platform is in geared or cogged connection with one or more of the substantially vertical stand support members of the stand.

[0058] In embodiments, one or more inner portions of the second base portion brace are in geared or cogged connection with one or more inner substantially vertical stand support members of the stand.

[0059] In embodiments, the base portion of platform of the apparatus, or a part thereof, is slidably connected with the stand of the apparatus.

[0060] In embodiments, one or more of the base portion braces, or a part thereof, of the base portion of the platform is slidably connected with one or more of the stand supports of the stand.

[0061] In embodiments, the second base portion brace, or a part thereof, of the base portion of the platform is slidably connected with one or more of the substantially vertical stand support members of the stand.

[0062] In embodiments, one or more outer portions of the second base portion brace are slidably connected with one or more outer substantially vertical stand support members of the stand.

[0063] The platform of the apparatus of the first aspect may comprise one or more holders or grippers, for actively holding the plant receptacle. In embodiments, the one or more holders comprise suction or vacuum components.

[0064] Suitably, the one or more holders are of the engaging portion of the platform. In embodiments, the one or more engaging portion holders are of or connected with the plurality of engaging portion arms. Each of the plurality of engaging portion arms may comprise one or more engaging portion holders, such as one or more vacuum components.

[0065] In embodiments, the engaging portion holders of each of the plurality engaging portion arms are at or adjacent the first surfaces of the engaging portion arms. In embodiments, the engaging portion holders of each of the plurality of engaging portion arms are at or towards the first ends of the engaging portion arms.

[0066] Suitably, the actuator of the apparatus of the first aspect for raising and / or lowering the platform, such as the first actuator, is or comprises a linear actuator. In embodiments, the actuator is or comprises a rack and pinion actuator.

[0067] In embodiments, the first actuator of the apparatus comprises a plurality of rack and pinion connections, such as of or comprising a plurality of pinion cases. In embodiments, the first actuator comprises a first or left rack and pinion connection; and a second or right rack and pinion connection.

[0068] In embodiments, the first actuator of the apparatus, or a part thereof, is attached to the platform of the apparatus. In embodiments, the first actuator of the apparatus, or a part thereof, is attached to the platform base portion of the platform.

[0069] In embodiments, the one or more pinion cases of the first actuator are attached to the one or more base portion braces of the base portion of the platform. The one or more pinion cases may be attached to the second base portion brace of the base portion of the platform.

[0070] In embodiments, the one or more pinion cases of the first actuator are attached to an inner portion of the second base portion brace of the base portion of the platform.

[0071] In embodiments, the one or more pinion cases of the first actuator are connected with the stand of the apparatus of the first aspect. In embodiments, the one or more pinion cases are connected with one or more of the stand supports ofthe stand. The one or more pinion cases may be connected with one or more of the substantially vertical stand support members of the stand.

[0072] In embodiments, the one or more pinion cases are connected with one or more inner substantially vertical stand support members of the stand.

[0073] In embodiments, the one or more pinion cases of the first actuator are attached to the second base portion brace of the base portion of the platform, wherein one or more pinions of the one or more pinion cases engage with one or more racks of or attached to the stand. The one or more racks with which the one or more pinions are engaged may be attached to one or more of the substantially vertical stand support members of the stand.

[0074] Suitably, the second actuator of the apparatus of the first aspect, for laterally moving the platform or the part thereof, is or comprises a linear actuator. In embodiments, the actuator is or comprises a rack and pinion actuator.

[0075] In embodiments, the second actuator of the apparatus of the first aspect comprises a plurality of rack and pinion connections, such as of or comprising a plurality of pinion cases. In embodiments, the second actuator comprises first or left rack and pinion connection; and second or right rack and pinion connection.

[0076] In embodiments, the one or more pinion cases of the second actuator are connected with the platform of the apparatus of the first aspect. The one or more pinion cases may be connected with the platform engaging portion and / or the platform base portion of the platform.

[0077] In embodiments, the one or more pinion cases of the second actuator, are attached to one or more of the arms of the platform engaging portion and / or one or more of the arms of the platform base portion.

[0078] In embodiments, the one or more pinion cases are attached to one or more inner arms of the platform engaging portion and / or one or more inner arms of the platform base portion.

[0079] In embodiments, the one or more pinion cases of the second actuator are attached to the one or more arms of the platform engaging portion, wherein one or more pinions of the one or more pinion cases engage with one or more racks of or attached to the platform base portion. The one or more racks may be attached to one or more of the plurality of arms of the platform base portion.

[0080] The apparatus of the first aspect may comprise a counterbalance. Suitably, the counterbalance supplements raising and / or lowering of the platform using the actuator, such as the first actuator. Suitably, the counterbalance comprises one or more counterbalance linkers; and one or more counterbalance weights.

[0081] The one or more counterbalance linkers of the counterbalance may be belts or the like.

[0082] The one or more counterbalance weights of the counterbalance may comprise first and second weight portions; and a central frame or web portion extending between the first and second weight portions.

[0083] Suitably, the one or more counterbalance linkers of the counterbalance are connected with the platform of the apparatus of the first aspect. Suitably, the one or more counterbalance weights of the counterbalance are connected with the one or more counterbalance linkers, wherein the counterbalance weights are connected with the platform via the counterbalance linkers.

[0084] In embodiments, the one or more counterbalance linkers of the counterbalance are attached to the platform. In embodiments, the one or more counterbalance linkers are attached to the platform base portion. The one or more counterbalance linkers may be attached to the one or more base portion braces of the platform base portion. In embodiments, the one or more counterbalance linkers are attached to the second base portion brace.

[0085] In embodiments, the one or more counterbalance linkers of the counterbalance are attached to the one or more counterbalance weights. In embodiments, each of the one or more counterbalance linkers is attached to a respective central frame portion of the one or more counterbalance weights.

[0086] In embodiments, the one or more counterbalance linkers are movably connected with the stand. The one or more counterbalance linkers may be movably connected with the stand via one or more counterbalance linker guides. In embodiments, the counterbalance linker guides comprise one or more wheels or rollers or the like.

[0087] The one or more counterbalance linker guides may comprise one or more first or upper counterbalance linker guides; and one or more second or lower counterbalance linker guides. In embodiments, each of the one or more counterbalance linkers is connected with respective first and second counterbalancelinker guides. Suitably, the connection of the counterbalance linker with the first and second counterbalance guides is a looped connection.

[0088] In embodiments, each of the one or more counterbalance linker guides are attached to a respective substantially horizontal brace member of the stand. In embodiments, each of the one or more the first counterbalance linker guides is attached to a respective first substantially horizontal stand brace member of the stand of the apparatus; and each of the one or more second counterbalance linker guides is attached to a respective second substantially horizontal brace member of the stand of the apparatus.

[0089] Suitably, the one or more counterbalance weights of the counterbalance are movably connected with the stand. The one or more counterbalance weights may be linearly movably connected with the stand, wherein raising and / or lowering of the platform linearly moves the counterbalance weights relative to the stand.

[0090] In embodiments, the one or more counterbalance weights are slidably connected with the one or more stand supports of the stand, such as the substantially vertical stand support members, wherein raising and / or lowering of the platform slides the counterbalances relative to the one or more stand supports.

[0091] In embodiments, the one or more counterbalances are slidably connected with the one or more stand supports of the stand, such as the substantially vertical stand support members, at an opposite part of the stand support members, such as an opposite side or face, relative to the slidable connection of the platform with the one or more stand supports.

[0092] In embodiments, each of the first and second weight portions of the one or more counterbalance weights are slidably connected with a respective substantially vertical stand support member of the stand.

[0093] In embodiments, the counterbalance of the apparatus of the first aspect comprises two counterbalance units. The two counterbalance units may comprise a first or left counterbalance unit; and a second or right counterbalance unit. In embodiments, each of the two counterbalance units comprises a counterbalance weight attached to first and second counterbalance linkers. The first and second counterbalance linkers of each counterbalance unit may be paired counterbalance linkers.

[0094] Suitably, the plant receptacle conveying apparatus of the first aspect comprises, or is connected or connectable with, a controller. Suitably, the controller is a programmable controller. In embodiments, the controller is for automatic control of the plant receptacle conveying apparatus.

[0095] Suitably, the controller is for control of the actuator, such as the first actuator, for raising and / or lowering the platform of the plant receptacle conveying apparatus. The controller may be for programmable and / or automatic control of the first actuator.

[0096] In embodiments, the controller is for control of the second actuator for laterally moving the platform or the part thereof, such as the platform engaging portion. The controller may be for programmable and / or automatic control of the first actuator.

[0097] In embodiments, the controller is for control of the holders for actively holding the plant receptacle, such as the vacuum components, of the platform of the plant receptacle conveying apparatus. The controller may be for programmable and / or automatic control of the holders.

[0098] A second aspect of the invention provides a kit comprising the apparatus of the first aspect; and a plant receptacle.

[0099] In embodiments, the plant receptacle of the kit of the second aspect is a tray. The plant receptacle of the kit of the second aspect may be a substantially elongated tray, comprising first and second sides extending between a first end and a second end of the tray. In embodiments, the tray is a substantially rectangular tray.

[0100] Suitably, the plant receptacle of the kit comprises a base or floor, the base comprising an upper surface and a lower surface. Suitably, a plant growth area of the plant receptacle extends over the upper surface of the base of the plant receptacle. In embodiments, the plant growth area is bordered by the base and the first and second sides of the plant receptacle.

[0101] In embodiments, the upper surface of the base of the plant receptacle comprises a plurality of protrusions, such as ridges. The plurality of upper surface protrusions may extend longitudinally from, or from near or towards, the first end of the tray, to, or to near or towards, the second end of the tray. The plurality of upper surface protrusions may be substantially evenly spaced between the first and second sides of the plant receptacle. In embodiments, the plant receptacle comprisesbetween about 5 and about 15 upper surface protrusions, including about 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, or 14 upper surface protrusions.

[0102] Suitably, the plurality of upper surface protrusions of the plant receptacle are for supporting solid plant growth media thereon within the plant growth area of the plant receptacle. Suitably, the plurality of upper surface protrusions are for allowing liquid, such as water or liquid growth medium, to disperse under solid plant growth media supported thereon.

[0103] In embodiments, the lower surface of the base of the plant receptacle comprises one or more engaging parts. In embodiments, the plant receptacle engaging parts comprise a plurality of protrusions, such as catches. The protrusions of the engaging parts of the lower surface of the base of the plant receptacle may extend longitudinally from, or from near or towards, the first end of the tray, to, or to near or towards, the second end of the tray. The lower surface protrusions may be substantially evenly spaced between the first and second sides of the plant receptacle. In embodiments, the plant receptacle engaging parts comprise between about 2 and about 6 lower surface protrusions, including about 3, 4, and 5 lower surface protrusions.

[0104] Suitably, the plant receptacle engaging parts are for engaging with the platform of the plant receptacle conveying apparatus. In embodiments, the plurality of lower surface protrusions of the plant receptacle engaging parts are for engaging with the engaging parts of the engaging portion arms of the engaging portion of the platform of the plant receptacle conveying apparatus.

[0105] A third aspect of the invention provides a system for vertical farming, comprising: a plant receptacle conveying apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a platform for supporting a plant receptacle; a stand for supporting the platform; and an actuator for raising and / or lowering the platform; and a growth rack comprising a plurality of growth rack levels.

[0106] In embodiments, the apparatus of the system of the third aspect of the invention is the plant receptacle conveying apparatus of the first aspect of the invention.

[0107] Suitably, the plant receptacle conveying apparatus of the system of the third aspect is for moving the plant receptacle to a selected level of the plurality of growth rack levels of the growth rack of the system.

[0108] In embodiments, the plant receptacle conveying apparatus is for placing the plant receptacle on and / or removing the plant receptacle from a selected level of the plurality of growth rack levels of the growth rack.

[0109] In embodiments, the growth rack of the system of the third aspect comprises a growth rack conveyer, for moving a plant receptacle within the growth rack. The growth rack conveyer may be for moving the plant receptacle between a first or entrance end and a second or exit end of the growth rack.

[0110] In embodiments, the growth rack of the system of the third aspect comprises a plurality of growth rack conveyers. In embodiments, one or more, or each, of the plurality of growth rack levels of the growth comprise a growth rack conveyer.

[0111] Suitably, each of the one or more growth rack conveyers comprise a conveyer drive. In embodiments, each of the one or more growth rack conveyers comprise a conveyer linker.

[0112] In embodiments, the one or more growth rack conveyers comprise one or more linear conveyers, for substantially linearly moving the plant receptacle within the growth rack. In embodiments, the one or more linear conveyers are or comprise conveyer belts. In embodiments, the one or more linear conveyers are for linearly moving the plant receptacle between the first end of the growth rack and the second end of the growth rack.

[0113] In embodiments, each of the one or more growth rack conveyers comprise a plurality of linear conveyers, such as two, three, or four linear conveyers. In embodiments, each of the one or more growth rack conveyers comprise two, three, or four conveyer belts. In embodiments, the plurality of linear conveyers, such as conveyer belts, are for linearly moving the plant receptacle extending thereacross, between the first end of the growth rack and the second end of the growth rack.

[0114] In embodiments, the conveyer linker of the growth rack conveyer of the second aspect, such as the belt of the one or more conveyer belts, comprises one or more conveyer linker engaging parts for engagement with the plant receptacle. In embodiments, the conveyer linker comprises a plurality of protrusions and / orindentations for engagement with one or more respective protrusions and / or indentations of the plant receptacle.

[0115] The system of the third aspect may comprise one or more plant receptacles, such as trays. The plant receptacles may be substantially elongated trays, comprising first and second sides extending between a first end and a second end of the tray. In embodiments, the tray is a substantially rectangular tray.

[0116] Suitably, the one or more plant receptacles of the system of the third aspect comprise a base or floor, the base comprising an upper surface and a lower surface. Suitably, a plant growth area of the plant receptacle extends over the upper surface of the base of the plant receptacle. In embodiments, the plant growth area is bordered by the base and the first and second sides of the plant receptacle.

[0117] In embodiments, the upper surface of the base of the plant receptacle comprises a plurality of protrusions, such as ridges. The plurality of upper surface protrusions may extend longitudinally from, or from near or towards, the first end of the tray, to, or to near or towards, the second end of the tray. The plurality of upper surface protrusions may be substantially evenly spaced between the first and second sides of the plant receptacle. In embodiments, the plant receptacle comprises between about 5 and about 15 upper surface protrusions, including about 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, or 14 upper surface protrusions.

[0118] Suitably, the plurality of upper surface protrusions of the plant receptacle are for supporting solid plant growth media thereon within the plant growth area of the plant receptacle. Suitably, the plurality of upper surface protrusions are for allowing liquid, such as water or liquid growth medium, to disperse under solid plant growth media supported thereon.

[0119] In embodiments, the lower surface of the base of the plant receptacle comprises one or more plant receptacle engaging parts. In embodiments, the plant receptacle engaging parts comprise a plurality of protrusions, such as catches. The protrusions of the engaging parts of the lower surface of the base of the plant receptacle may extend longitudinally from, or from near or towards, the first end of the tray, to, or to near or towards, the second end of the tray. The lower surface protrusions may be substantially evenly spaced between the first and second sides of the plant receptacle. In embodiments, the plant receptacle engaging parts comprisebetween about 2 and about 6 lower surface protrusions, including about 3, 4, and 5 lower surface protrusions.

[0120] Suitably, the plant receptacle engaging parts are for engaging with the platform of the plant receptacle conveying apparatus. In embodiments, the plurality of lower surface protrusions of the plant receptacle engaging parts are for engaging with the engaging parts of the engaging portion arms of the engaging portion of the platform of the plant receptacle conveying apparatus.

[0121] In embodiments, the plant receptacle engaging parts are for engaging with the one or more conveyer linkers, such as conveyer belts, of the one or more growth rack conveyers. In embodiments, the plurality of lower surface protrusion of the plant receptacle engaging parts are for engaging with the engaging parts of the conveyer linker(s) of the growth rack conveyer(s).

[0122] The system of the third aspect may comprise one or more transit conveyers, for conveying the plant receptacle to and / or or from the plant receptacle conveying apparatus of the system. In embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of transit conveyers. In embodiments, the plant conveying apparatus of the system of the third aspect can obtain a plant receptacle from and / or place a plant receptacle on at least one of the one or more transit conveyers.

[0123] Suitably, the transit conveyers of the system of the third aspect are linear conveyers. In embodiments, the transit conveyers comprise a conveyer belt. In embodiments, the transit conveyers, such as belt conveyers, are for linearly conveying the plant receptacle therealong.

[0124] In embodiments, the transit conveyers comprise one or more guides, for adjusting or controlling position or orientation of the plant receptacle conveyed therealong. The one or more guides may be stops, for stopping conveying of the plant receptacle therealong.

[0125] In embodiments, the guides of the transit conveyers comprise one or more actuatable guides. The one or more actuatable guides may be bump stops or the like.

[0126] A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method for conveying a plant receptacle to a selected level of a plurality of growth rack levels of a growth rack, the method including a step of moving a platform supporting a plant receptacle to the selected level of the plurality of growth rack levels by raising and / or lowering theplatform with an actuator, the platform supported by a stand, and the actuator connected with the platform and the stand.

[0127] In embodiments, the method of the fourth aspect includes a step of placing the plant receptacle on and / or removing the plant receptacle from the selected level of the plurality of growth rack levels by laterally moving the platform or a part thereof with an actuator, the actuator of or connected with the platform.

[0128] Suitably, the actuator for raising and / or lowering the platform according to the method of the fourth aspect is a first actuator. Suitably, the actuator for laterally moving the platform or the part thereof according to the method of the fourth aspect is a second actuator.

[0129] In embodiments, the method of the fourth aspect includes a step of moving the plant receptacle within the growth rack with a growth rack conveyer.

[0130] In embodiments, the method of the fourth aspect includes a step of moving the plant receptacle to or from the platform with a transit conveyer.

[0131] Suitably, the method of the fourth aspect is a method of conveying the plant receptacle within a vertical farming system.

[0132] Suitably, the method of the fourth aspect includes a step of controlling the first actuator with a controller to thereby raise and / or lower the platform with the first actuator.

[0133] In embodiments, the method of the fourth aspect includes a step of controlling the second actuator with a controller to thereby laterally move the platform or the part thereof with the second actuator.

[0134] In embodiments, the method of the fourth aspect includes a step of controlling the growth rack conveyer with a controller to thereby move the plant receptacle within the growth rack with the growth rack conveyer.

[0135] In embodiments, the method of the fourth aspect includes a step of controlling the transit conveyer with a controller to thereby move the plant receptacle to or from the platform with the transit conveyer.

[0136] The controller for controlling the first actuator, the second actuator, the growth rack conveyer, and the transit conveyer may be the same controller or one or more different controllers.

[0137] In embodiments, the step of controlling the first actuator, the second actuator, the growth rack conveyer, and / or the transit conveyer with the controller is astep of programmably controlling the first actuator, the second actuator, the growth rack conveyer, and / or the transit conveyer with the controller.

[0138] In embodiments, the step of controlling the first actuator, the second actuator, the growth rack conveyer, and / or the transit conveyer with the controller is a step of automatically controlling the first actuator, the second, the growth rack conveyer, and / or the transit conveyer with the controller.

[0139] In embodiments of the method of the fourth aspect, the platform, the stand, and the actuator, such as the first and / or second actuator, are of the plant receptacle conveying apparatus of the first aspect.

[0140] In embodiments, the controller according to the method of the fourth aspect is of the plant receptacle conveying apparatus of the first aspect or the system of the third aspect.

[0141] In embodiments, the plant receptacle according to the method of the fourth aspect is of the kit of the second aspect, or the system of the third aspect.

[0142] In embodiments, the growth rack, the growth rack conveyer, and / or the connecting conveyer according to the method of the fourth aspect is of the system of the third aspect.

[0143] A fifth aspect of the invention provides a plant receptacle for, or suitable for, the kit of the second aspect or the system of the third aspect, or for or when used for the method of the fourth aspect.

[0144] A sixth aspect of the invention provides a growth rack comprising a plurality of growth rack levels for, or suitable for, the system of the third aspect, or for or when used for the method of the fourth aspect.

[0145] A seventh aspect of the invention provides a growth rack conveyer for, or suitable for, the system of the third aspect, or for or when used for the method of the fourth aspect.

[0146] An eighth aspect of the invention provides a transit conveyer for, or suitable for, the system of the third aspect, or for or when used for the method of the fourth aspect.

[0147] A ninth aspect of the invention provides a controller for, or suitable for the apparatus of the first aspect or the system of the second aspect, or for or when used for the method of the fourth aspect.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0148] The invention will be described hereinafter with reference to typical embodiments illustrated in the drawings and wherein:

[0149] Figure 1 sets forth a front perspective view of an embodiment of a plant receptacle conveyer apparatus according to an aspect of the invention, apparatus 10. In Figure 1 , platform 200 of apparatus 10 is supporting plant receptacle 1000.

[0150] Figure 2 sets forth a rear perspective view of apparatus 10.

[0151] Figure 3 sets forth a close-up, partial front perspective view of apparatus 10, showing platform 200.

[0152] Figure 4 sets forth a close-up, partial rear perspective view of apparatus 10, showing platform 200.

[0153] Figure 5 sets forth a tilted, close-up, partial front perspective view of apparatus 10, showing actuator 300.

[0154] Figure 6 sets forth a top, close-up, partial front perspective view of apparatus 10, showing actuator 300.

[0155] Figure 7 sets forth a close-up, partial rear perspective view of apparatus 10, showing an upper part of counterbalance 400. In Figure 7, auxiliary frame components are connected with stand 100 of apparatus 10.

[0156] Figure 8 sets forth a close-up, partial front perspective view of apparatus 10, showing a lower part of counterbalance 400. In Figure 8, auxiliary frame components are connected with stand 100 of apparatus 10.

[0157] Figure 9 sets forth a perspective view of an upper right part of counterbalance 400.

[0158] Figure 10 sets forth a perspective view of a lower left part of counterbalance 400.

[0159] Figure 11 sets forth a perspective view of platform 200 in a retracted configuration. In Figure 11 , certain components of platform 200, including bellows, conduits, and facades, have been removed.

[0160] Figure 12 sets forth a perspective view of platform 200 in an extended configuration. In Figure 12, certain components of platform 200, including bellows, conduits, and facades, have been removed.

[0161] Figure 13 sets forth a close-up, partial perspective view of platform 200, showing centre-right and outer-right engaging portion arms of platform 200 in aretracted configuration. In Figure 13, certain components of platform 200, including bellows, conduits, and facades, have been removed.

[0162] Figure 14 sets forth a close-up partial perspective view of platform 200 of apparatus 10, showing centre-right and outer-right engaging portion arms of platform 200 in a retracted configuration. In Figure 14, certain components of platform 200, including bellows, conduits, and facades, have been removed.

[0163] Figure 15 sets forth a close-up partial perspective view of platform 200 of apparatus 10, showing centre-right and outer-right engaging portion arms of platform 200 in an extended configuration. In Figure 15, certain components of platform 200, including bellows, conduits, and facades, have been removed.

[0164] Figure 16 sets forth a close-up partial perspective view of platform 200 of apparatus 10, showing centre-left and outer-left engaging portion arms of platform 200 in an extended configuration. In Figure 16, certain components of platform 200, including bellows, conduits, and facades, have been removed.

[0165] Figure 17 sets forth a perspective view of platform 200 of apparatus 10, showing platform 200 in an extended configuration.

[0166] Figure 18 sets forth a close-up partial perspective view of platform 200 of apparatus 10, showing centre-right and outer-right engaging portion arms of platform 200 in an extended configuration.

[0167] Figure 19 sets forth a close-up partial perspective view of platform 200 of apparatus 10, showing centre-left and outer-left engaging portion arms of platform 200 in an extended configuration.

[0168] Figure 20 sets forth a side view of platform 200 of apparatus 10.

[0169] Figure 21 sets forth a perspective view of plant receptacle 1000 for use with apparatus 10.

[0170] Figure 22 sets forth (A) a top view; (B) a side view; (C) a bottom view; (D) a front view, of plant receptacle 1000.

[0171] Figure 23 sets forth a perspective view of growth rack conveyer 50 for use with apparatus 10. In Figure 23, a plurality of plant receptacles 1000 are engaged with growth rack conveyer 50.

[0172] Figure 24 sets forth a partial side view of growth conveyer 50. In Figure 24, a plurality of plant receptacles 1000 are engaged with growth rack conveyer 50.

[0173] Figure 25 sets forth a perspective view of apparatus 10 connected with auxiliary frame components, and transit conveyers 500 for use with apparatus 10.

[0174] Figure 26 sets forth a front perspective view of an embodiment of transit conveyer 500.

[0175] Figure 27 sets forth a front perspective view of an embodiment of transit conveyer 500.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0176] Figures 1 to 20 illustrate a plant receptacle conveyer apparatus, apparatus 10, provided according to an embodiment of one aspect of the invention. Apparatus 10 is particularly adapted for (albeit not limited to) conveying plant receptacles within vertical farming systems, for the purpose of plant cultivation. An example of a vertical farming system within which apparatus 10 is adapted for conveying plant receptacles is provided by International Patent Application PCT / AU2023 / 050631 , incorporated herein by reference.

[0177] As used herein, the terms “plant and “plants” will be understood to include and encompass organisms of the kingdom Plantae at all stages of development, and parts thereof including but not limited to seeds, cuttings, flowers, and fruit. It will also be understood that apparatus 10 may be suitable for use in vertical farming systems for cultivation of various other organisms and / or parts thereof, such as ‘plant-like’ organisms including (but not limited to) algae and fungi.

[0178] Apparatus 10 comprises stand 100; platform 200; and actuator 300. Platform 200 is for supporting a plant receptacle, such as tray 1000 (hereinbelow described). Actuator 300 is for raising and lowering platform 200. Stand 100 is for supporting platform 200, including during raising and lowering of platform 200 using actuator 300.

[0179] As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, stand 100 of apparatus 10 comprises stand support members 110; and stand brace members 120.

[0180] Stand support members 110 of stand 100 are substantially vertically oriented, elongated members. As can be seen in Figure 1 , stand support members 110 comprise outer-left stand support member 111 ; paired, centre-left stand support members 112; paired centre-right stand support members 1 13; and outer-right stand support member 1 14. Each stand support member 110 comprises upper end 1101 and lower end 1102.

[0181] As can be seen in Figure 1 and Figure 2, centre-left stand support members 112 and centre-right stand support members 113 comprise respective inner racks 1123, 1133 and outer tracks 1124, 1134 for connection with platform 200 and actuator 300; and respective tracks 1125 and 1135 for connection with counterbalance 400, as hereinbelow described in further detail.

[0182] As seen in Figure 1 , inner racks 1123, 1133 and outer tracks 1124, 1134 of centre-left stand support members 113 and centre right stand support members 113, respectively comprise platform stops 135. Platform stops 135 comprise upper platform stops 1351 ; and lower platform stops 1352.

[0183] As can be seen in Figure 1 and Figure 2, stand brace members 120 of stand 100 are substantially horizontally oriented members. Stand brace members 120 include a plurality of outer-left brace members 121 ; a plurality of centre-left brace members 122; a plurality of central brace members 123; a plurality of centre-right brace members 124; and a plurality of outer-right brace members 125.

[0184] Outer-left brace members 121 are shorter brace members extending from leftmost centre-left stand support member 112 to outer-left stand support member 111 , at spaced positions between upper ends 1101 and lower ends 1102 of the stand support members.

[0185] Centre-left brace members 122 are longer brace members extending between centre-left stand support members 1 12, at spaced positions between upper ends 1101 and lower ends 1102 of the stand support members.

[0186] Central brace members 123 are longer brace members extending from rightmost centre-left stand support member 112 to leftmost paired centre-right stand support member 113, at spaced positions between upper ends 1101 and lower ends 1102 of the stand support members.

[0187] Centre-right brace members 124 are longer brace members extending between centre-right stand support members 113, at spaced positions between upper ends 1101 and lower ends 1102 of the stand support members.

[0188] Outer-right brace members 125 are shorter brace members extending from rightmost centre-right stand support member 113 to outer-right stand support member 114, at spaced positions between upper ends 1101 and lower ends 1102 of the stand support members.

[0189] As can be seen in Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6, actuator 300 is a linear actuator connecting platform 200 with stand 100. More particularly, actuator 300 is a rack and pinion actuator comprising drive 310; and pinion cases 320.

[0190] As can be seen in Figure 6, rack and pinion drive 310 of actuator 300 comprises drive body 31 1 , comprising a drive motor and gearbox; and drive shafts 312.

[0191] As can be seen in Figure 6, rack and pinion pinion cases 320 of actuator 300 comprise left pinion case 321 ; and right pinion case 322. Drive shafts 312 of actuator 300 extend from drive body 311 to pinion cases 321 , 322, respectively.

[0192] As can be seen in Figure 5 and Figure 6, inner racks 1123, 1133 of centreleft stand support members 112 and centre-right stand support members 113, respectively, form racks of rack and pinion actuator 300. More particularly, left pinion case 321 of rack and pinion actuator 300 is engaged with inner rack 1 123, and right pinion case 322 is engaged with inner rack 1133. It will be understood that racks 1123, 1133, and platform stops 135 thereof, may be considered a part of actuator 300, and may alternatively be referred to as rack and pinion racks 330 (331 , 332) and actuator stops 335 thereof.

[0193] As can be seen in Figure 11 to Figure 19, platform 200 of apparatus 10 comprises platform base portion 210; platform engaging portion 220; and platform actuator 230. Platform engaging portion 220 is for supporting a plant receptacle, such as tray 1000. Platform actuator 230 is for laterally moving platform engaging portion 210. Platform base portion 210 is for supporting platform engaging portion 220, including during lateral movement of platform engaging portion 220 using platform actuator 230.

[0194] As can be seen in Figure 11 , platform base portion 210 of platform 200 comprises base portion arms 211 ; base portion brace 212; and base portion slide mounts 213. Base portion arms 211 and base portion brace 212 incorporate extensive structural pocketing for weight and resistance reduction, as further discussed hereinbelow.

[0195] As can be seen in Figure 11 , base portion arms 211 of platform base portion 210 comprise outer-left base portion arm 2111 ; centre-left base portion arm 2112; centre-right base portion arm 2113; and outer-right base portion arm 2114. Each base portion arm 21 1 comprises front base portion arm end 2191 ; rear baseportion arm end 2291 ; upper base portion arm surface 2391 ; lower base portion arm surface 2491 ; and base portion arm bracket 2591. Base portion arm bracket 2591 is fixed with lower base portion arm surface 2491 .

[0196] As can be seen in Figure 12, base portion brace 212 of platform base portion 210 extends between base portion arms 211 at rear base portion arm ends 2291. Base portion brace 212 comprises first base portion brace 2121 ; and second base portion brace 2221 .

[0197] First base portion brace 2121 comprises three sections extending between respective base portion arms 211. First base portion brace 2121 comprises upper first base portion brace surface 2921 , substantially coplanar with upper base portion arm surface 2391 of base portion arms 211 ; and lower first base portion brace surface 2922 opposite upper first base portion brace surface 2921 .

[0198] As can be seen in Figures 11 and 12, second base portion brace 2221 comprises front second base portion brace surface 2721 ; and rear second base portion brace surface 2722 opposite front second base portion brace surface 2721. First brace portion brace 2121 and base portion arms 21 1 are fixed with front second base portion surface 2721 .

[0199] As can be seen in Figure 15 and Figure 16, attachment slots 2723 of second base portion brace 2221 extend through second base portion brace 2221 from front second base portion brace surface 2721 to rear second base portion brace surface 2722. As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, second base portion brace 2221 comprises four sets of upper and lower attachment slots 2723, two left upper and lower attachment slot sets 2724; and two right upper and lower attachment slot sets 2725.

[0200] As can be seen in Figure 11 , base portion slide mounts 213 of base portion 210 are fixed with rear second base portion brace surface 2722 of second base portion brace 2221. Base portion slide mounts 213 comprise left base portion slide mount 2131 ; and right base portion slide mount 2132.

[0201] Each base portion slide mount 213 comprises a respective base portion slide mount channel 2130. Channel 2130 of left base portion slide mount 2131 is for slidable engagement with outer track mount 1124 of stand support members 110 of stand 100. Channel 2130 of right slide mount 2132 is for slidable engagement with outer track mount 1134 of stand support member 110 of stand 100.

[0202] As can be seen in Figures 11 and 12, platform engaging portion 220 of platform 200 comprises engaging portion arms 221 ; engaging portion brace 222; and engaging portion vacuum holders 223. Engaging portion arms 221 and engaging portion brace 222 incorporate extensive structural pocketing for weight and resistance reduction, as further discussed hereinbelow.

[0203] As can be seen in Figure 12, engaging portion arms 221 of platform engaging portion 220 comprise outer-left engaging portion arm 2211 ; centre-left engaging portion arm 2212; centre-right engaging portion arm 2213; and outer-right engaging portion arm 2214. Each engaging portion arm 221 comprises front engaging portion arm end 2181 ; rear engaging portion arm end 2281 ; upper engaging portion arm surface 2381 ; lower engaging portion arm surface 2481 ; and raised engaging portion arm edges 2581 .

[0204] As can be seen in Figure 16 and Figure 20, raised engaging portion arm edges 2581 of engaging portion arms 221 project from upper engaging portion arm surface 2381 , extending from front engaging portion arm end 2181 about halfway to rear engaging portion arm end 2281 . Raised engaging portion arm edges 2581 comprise slots 2582 for engagement with corresponding protrusions of a plant tray such as tray 1000, as hereinbelow described in further detail.

[0205] As can be seen in Figures 11 and 12, engaging portion brace 222 comprises three sections extending between respective engaging portions arms 221 . Engaging portion brace 222 comprises upper engaging portion brace surface 2821 substantially coplanar with upper engaging portion arm surface 2381 of engaging portion arms 221 ; and lower engaging portion brace surface 2822, opposite upper engaging portion brace surface 2821 .

[0206] As can be seen in Figure 13, engaging portion vacuum holders 223 are adjacent upper engaging portion arm surface 2381 of engaging portion arms 221 , bordered by raised engaging portion arm edges 2581 . Each engaging portion arm 221 comprises two vacuum holders 223, a front vacuum holder 2231 nearer to front engaging portion arm end 2181 ; and a rear vacuum holder 2232 further from front engaging portion arm end 2181. As can be seen in Figures 17 to 19, vacuum is delivered to vacuum holders 223 by vacuum unit 2234 and associated vacuum conduits 2235.

[0207] As can be seen in Figure 17, platform actuator 230 of platform 200 is a linear actuator connecting platform base portion 210 and platform engaging portion 220. More particularly, platform actuator 230 is a rack and pinion actuator comprising drive 231 ; and pinion cases 232.

[0208] As can be seen in Figure 18, rack and pinion drive 231 of platform actuator 230 comprises drive body 231 1 , comprising a drive motor and gearbox; and drive shaft 2312.

[0209] As can be seen in Figure 15 and Figure 16, rack and pinion pinion cases 232 of platform actuator 232 comprise left pinion case 2321 ; and right pinion case 2322.

[0210] Each pinion case 232 of platform actuator 230 is fixed with lower engaging arm surface 2481 of a respective engaging portion arm 221. More particularly, left pinion case 2321 is fixed with lower engaging portion arm surface 2481 of centre-left engaging portion arm 2212, and right pinion case 2322 is fixed with lower engaging arm surface 2481 of centre-right engaging portion arm 2213.

[0211] Drive shaft 2312 of platform actuator 230 extends from drive body 2311 and between pinion cases 2321 and 2322.

[0212] Each pinion case 232 of platform actuator 230 is connected with a respective platform rack 233. Platform racks 233 may, but need not necessarily, be considered part of platform actuator 230.

[0213] As can be seen in Figures 13 and 14, each platform rack 233 is fixed with upper base portion arm surface 2391 of a respective base portion arm 211. More particularly, platform rack 233 connected with left pinion case 2321 is fixed with upper base portion arm surface 2391 of centre-left base portion arm 2112; and platform rack 233 connected with right pinion case 2322 is fixed with upper base portion arm surface 2391 of centre-right base portion arm 2113.

[0214] Platform actuator 230 is associated with other components, including stops, stabilisers, and bellows as will be described as follows. It will be understood that these other components may, although need not necessarily, be considered part of platform actuator 230.

[0215] As can be seen in Figures 13 and 14, platform actuator 230 is associated with platform actuator stops 235. Platform actuator stops 235 comprise front platform actuator stop 2351 ; and rear platform actuator stop 2352. Each of centre-left baseportion arm 2112 and centre-right base portion arm 21 13 comprise front platform actuator stop 2351 ; and rear platform actuator stop 2352. Platform rack 233 connected with left pinion case 2321 and platform rack 233 connected with right pinion case 2322 extend between front platform actuator stop 2351 and rear platform actuator stop 2352.

[0216] As can be seen in Figures 15 and 16, platform actuator 230 is associated with platform actuator stabilisers 236. Platform actuator stabilisers comprise left platform actuator stabiliser 2361 ; and right platform actuator stabiliser 2362. Each of left platform actuator stabiliser 2361 and right platform actuator stabiliser 2362 comprise platform actuator stabiliser body 2363 slidably mounted to platform actuator stabiliser track 2364.

[0217] Platform actuator stabiliser body 2363 of left platform actuator stabiliser 2361 is fixed with lower engaging portion arm surface 2481 of outer-left engaging portion arm 2211. Platform actuator stabiliser body 2363 of right platform actuator stabiliser 2362 is fixed with lower engaging portion arm surface 2481 of outer-right engaging portion arm 2214.

[0218] Platform actuator stabiliser track 2364 of left platform actuator stabiliser 2361 is fixed with upper base portion arm surface 2391 of outer-left base portion arm 2111. Platform actuator stabiliser track 2364 of right platform actuator stabiliser 2362 is fixed with upper base portion arm surface 2391 of outer-right base portion arm 2114.

[0219] As can be seen in Figures 17 to 19, platform actuator 230 is associated with platform actuator bellows 237. As can be seen in Figures 18 and 19, platform actuator bellows 237 comprise left and right rack and pinion actuator rack bellows 2371 , covering platform rack 233 connected with left pinion case 2321 and platform rack 233 of connected with right pinion case 2322, respectively; and left and right stabiliser track bellows 2372 covering track 2364 of left platform actuator stabiliser 2361 and track 2364 of right platform actuator stabiliser 2361 , respectively.

[0220] As can be seen in Figure 1 and Figure 2, counterbalance 400 of apparatus 10 comprises two counterbalance units 410. More particularly, counterbalance 400 comprises left counterbalance unit 4101 ; and right counterbalance unit 4102.

[0221] As can be seen in Figure 7, each counterbalance unit 410 comprises counterbalance weight 411 ; and two counterbalance linkers 412.

[0222] As can be seen in Figure 7 and Figure 9, each counterbalance weight 411 comprises left weight portion 4111 ; right weight portion 41 12; and central frame portion 4113 extending between left weight portion 41 11 and right weight portion 4112. Central frame portion 41 13 comprises structural pocketing.

[0223] Counterbalance linkers 412 of each counterbalance unit 410 are in the form of paired belts.

[0224] As can be seen in Figure 3 and Figure 4, counterbalance belts 412 are attached to base portion 210 of platform 200. More particularly, each counterbalance belt 412 is attached to second base portion brace 2221 via a respective set of upper and lower attachment slots 2723 (left upper and lower attachment slots 2724, or right upper and lower attachment slots 2725).

[0225] As can be seen in Figure 7 and Figure 9, counterbalance belts 412 of each counterbalance unit 410 are attached to respective counterbalance weight 411 of counterbalance unit 410. More particularly, paired counterbalance belts 412 of left counterbalance unit 4101 are attached to central frame portion 4113 of counterbalance weight 41 1 of left counterbalance unit 4101 ; and paired counterbalance belts 412 of right counterbalance unit 4102 are attached to central frame portion 4113 of counterbalance weight 41 1 of right counterbalance unit 4102.

[0226] Counterbalance belts 412 are movably mounted to stand 100 of apparatus 10. More particularly, as can be seen in Figures 7 to 9, counterbalance belts 412 of left counterbalance unit 4101 and counterbalance belts 412 of right counterbalance unit 4102 are mounted to stand 100 via left and right linker guide sets 401 and 402, respectively, each linker guide set comprising a plurality of belt guides 450.

[0227] Belt guides 450 of left linker guide set 401 comprise paired upper belt guides 41 10; and paired lower belt guides 4111. Upper belt guides 4110 of left linker guide set 401 are mounted to uppermost centre-left brace member 122 of stand 100. Lower belt guides 4111 of left linker guide set 401 are mounted to lowermost centreleft brace member 122 of brace members 120 of stand 100.

[0228] Belt guides 450 of right linker guide set 402 comprise paired upper belt guides 4210; and paired lower belt guides 4211. Upper belt guides 4210 of right linker guide set 402 are mounted to uppermost centre-right brace member 124 of stand 100. Lower belt guides 4211 of right linker guide set 402 are mounted to lowermost centre-right brace member 122 of brace members 120 of stand 100.

[0229] As can be seen in Figure 9, each belt guide 450 (41 10, 41 11 , 4210, 4211 ) comprises front roller 405; and rear roller 406, front roller 405 and rear roller 406 rotatable mounted to belt guide frame 404. Each counterbalance belt 412 extends between a respective upper belt guide 4110, 4210 and a corresponding respective lower belt guide 41 11 , 4211 , in a looped arrangement, belt 412 engaged with front roller 405 and rear roller 406 of the respective upper belt guide 41 10, 4210 and corresponding respective lower belt guide 411 1 , 4211 .

[0230] As can be seen in Figure 9, left weight portion 4111 and right weight portion 4112 of counterbalance weights 411 comprise counterbalance weight portion slide mounts 4221 , for slidable connection with track mounts 1 125 of centre-left stand support members 112 and track mounts 1135 of centre-right stand support members 113, respectively.

[0231] Typical use of apparatus 10 will now be described.

[0232] In general terms, apparatus 10 is adapted for placing plant receptacles onto vertically stacked growth rack levels of vertical farming systems and / or removing plant receptacles from vertically stacked growth rack levels of vertical farming systems. By way of non-limiting example:• Apparatus 10 can obtain a newly seeded or planted plant receptacle from ground level, move the plant receptacle to a selected vertically stacked growth rack level of a vertical farming system, and place the plant receptacle on the selected growth rack level;• Apparatus 10 can move a plant receptacle during a plant growth cycle between selected vertically stacked growth rack levels of a vertical farming system, such as for the purpose of exposing plants in the plant receptacle to different growth conditions;• Apparatus 10 can retrieve a plant receptacle from a selected vertically stacked growth rack level of a vertical farming system at the end of a plant growth cycle and return the plant receptacle to ground level for further processing, such as plant harvest.

[0233] In use, activation of actuator 300 of apparatus 10 raises or lowers platform 200 of apparatus 10, platform 200 supported by stand 100 of apparatus 10.

[0234] More particularly, activation of rack and pinion drive 310 of actuator 300 results in synchronised actuation of respective pinions within left pinion case 321 andright pinion case 322 via drive shafts 312, wherein the pinions rotate in respective platform raising or platform lowering directions, as desired.

[0235] In use, synchronised rotation of pinions of left pinion case 321 and right pinon case 322, in the platform raising direction, raises platform 200 via connection of the pinions with stand 100, and more particularly via engagement of the pinions with inner rack 1 123 of centre-left stand support members 112 and inner rack 1133 of centre-right stand support members 113, respectively.

[0236] In use, synchronised rotation of pinions of left pinion case 321 and right pinon case 322, in the platform lowering direction, lowers platform 200 via connection of the pinions with stand 100, and more particularly via engagement of the pinions with inner rack 1123 of centre-left stand support members 112 and inner rack 1133 of centre-right stand support members 113, respectively.

[0237] In use, as platform 200 is raised by synchronised rotation of pinions of left and right pinion cases 321 , 322 in the platform raising direction, platform 200 moves linearly in an upward direction relative to stand 100. As platform 200 moves linearly in the upward direction, base portion slide mounts 213 of platform 200 stabilise linear upward movement of platform 200. More particularly, left base portion slide mount 2131 and right base portion slide mount 2132, respectively, slide upwards against outer track mounts 1124, 1134 of stand support members 1 10 of stand 100, respectively.

[0238] In use, as platform 200 is lowered by synchronised rotation of pinions of left and right pinion cases 321 , 322 in the platform lowering direction, platform 200 moves linearly in a downward direction relative to stand 100. As platform 200 moves linearly in the downward direction, base portion slide mounts 213 of platform 200 stabilise linear downward movement of platform 200. More particularly, left base portion slide mount 2131 and right base portion slide mount 2132, respectively, slide downwards against outer track mounts 1124, 1134 of stand support members 110 of stand 100, respectively.

[0239] In use, counterbalance 400 supplements raising and lowering of platform 200 by actuator 300. More particularly, downwards movement of counterbalance weights 411 assists raising of platform 200; and upwards movement of counterbalance weights 411 restrains lowering of platform 200.

[0240] In use, raising of platform 200 by actuator 300 results in synchronised rotation of looped counterbalance belts 412 in a platform raising direction, the synchronised rotation of counterbalance belts 412 facilitated by left and right linker guide sets 401 and 402. More particularly, the synchronised rotation of counterbalance belts 412 in the platform raising direction is facilitated by rotation of front roller 405 and rear roller 406 of each belt guide 450, each counterbalance belt 412 connected to respective upper and lower belt guides 450.

[0241] In use, lowering of platform 200 by actuator 300 results in synchronised rotation of looped counterbalance belts 412 in a platform lowering direction, the synchronised rotation of counterbalance belts 412 facilitated by left and right linker guide sets 401 and 402. More particularly, the synchronised rotation of counterbalance belts 412 in the platform raising direction is facilitated by rotation of front roller 405 and rear roller 406 of each belt guide 450, each counterbalance belt 412 connected to respective upper and lower belt guides 450.

[0242] In use, synchronised rotation of counterbalance belts 412 in the platform raising direction lowers counterbalance weights 411 via connection with counterbalance belts 412, counterbalance weights 411 moving linearly in a downwards direction relative to stand 100. More particularly, slide mounts 4221 of left and right counterbalance weights 411 slide downwards against track mounts 1125 of centre-left stand support members 112 and track mounts 1135 of centre-right stand support members 113, respectively, counterbalance weights 411 thereby sliding linearly downwards relative to stand 100.

[0243] In use, synchronised rotation of counterbalance belts 412 in the platform lowering direction raises counterbalance weights 411 via connection with counterbalance belts 412, counterbalance weights 411 moving linearly in an upwards direction relative to stand 100. More particularly, slide mounts 4221 of left and right counterbalance weights 411 slide upwards against track mounts 1125 of centre-left stand support members 112 and track mounts 1135 of centre-right stand support members 113, respectively, counterbalance weights 411 thereby sliding linearly upwards relative to stand 100.

[0244] In use, by raising and / or lowering of platform 200 as described above, a suitable plant receptacle tray, such as tray 1000, can be moved to one or moreselected levels of a plurality of growth rack levels of a growth rack of a vertical farming system.

[0245] In use, activation of platform actuator 230 of platform 200 laterally extends or retracts platform engaging portion 210 of platform 200, platform engaging portion 210 supported by platform base portion 220 of platform 200.

[0246] More particularly, activation of rack and pinion drive 231 of platform actuator 230 results in synchronised actuation of respective pinions within left pinion case 2321 and right pinion case 2322 via drive shaft 2312, wherein the pinions of left rotate in respective platform extending or retracting directions, as desired.

[0247] In use, synchronised rotation of pinions of left pinion case 2321 and right pinon case 2322, in the platform extending direction, laterally extends platform engaging portion 210 via connection of the pinions with base portion 210 of platform 200, and more particularly via engagement of the pinions with racks 233 of left rack and pinion actuator unit 231 1 and right rack and pinion unit 2312, respectively.

[0248] In use, synchronised rotation of pinions of left pinion case 2321 and right pinon case 2322, in the platform retracting direction, laterally retracts platform engaging portion 210 via connection of the pinions with base portion 210 of platform 200, and more particularly via engagement of the pinions with racks 233 of left rack and pinion actuator unit 231 1 and right rack and pinion unit 2312, respectively.

[0249] In use, as engaging portion 210 of platform 200 is laterally extended by synchronised rotation of pinions of left and right pinion cases 2321 , 2322 in the platform extending direction, platform engaging portion 210 moves linearly in an outward direction relative to platform base portion 220 and stand 100.

[0250] As platform engaging portion 210 moves linearly in the outward direction, platform actuator stabilisers 236 stabilise linear outward movement of engaging portion 210. More particularly, platform actuator stabiliser bodies 2363 of left and right platform actuator stabilisers 2361 and 2362, respectively, slide outwards against platform actuator stabiliser tracks 2364 of left and right platform actuator stabilisers 2361 and 2362, respectively.

[0251] In use, as engaging portion 210 of platform 200 is laterally retracted by synchronised rotation of pinions of left and right pinion cases 2321 , 2322 in the platform retracting direction, platform engaging portion 210 moves linearly in an inward direction relative to platform base portion 220 and stand 100.

[0252] As platform engaging portion 210 moves linearly in the inward direction, platform actuator stabilisers 236 stabilise linear inward movement of engaging portion 210. More particularly, platform actuator stabiliser bodies 2363 of left and right platform actuator stabilisers 2361 and 2362, respectively, slide inwards against platform actuator stabiliser tracks 2364 of left and right platform actuator stabilisers 2361 and 2362, respectively.

[0253] In use, by extending and / or retracting platform engaging portion 220 as described above, a suitable plant receptacle, such as tray 1000, can be placed on and / or removed from a selected level of a plurality of growth rack levels of a growth rack of a vertical farming system.

[0254] In use, platform engaging portion 220 of platform 200 can stably hold a suitable plant receptacle, such as tray 1000, during raising and / or lowering of platform 200, and during extension and / or retraction of engaging portion 220.

[0255] As can be seen in Figure 21 and Figure 22, tray 1000, one typical embodiment of a suitable plant receptacle for use with apparatus 10, is an elongated substantially rectangular tray.

[0256] Tray 1000 comprises left end 1100; right end 1200; front side 1300; rear side 1400; and base 1500.

[0257] Base 1500 of tray 1000 comprises upper surface 1510; and lower surface 1520. A plant growth area, for cultivation of plants in growth medium, extends over upper surface 1510 of base 1500 of tray 1000.

[0258] As can be seen in Figures 21 , 22A, and 22D, upper surface 1510 of base 1500 of tray 1000 comprises a plurality of ridges 1511. More particularly, upper surface 1510 comprises fourteen ridges 1511. Ridges 1511 are substantially straight and extend longitudinally from left end 1 100 to near right end 1200 of tray 1000, leaving an unridged portion 1512 of upper surface 1510 adjacent right end 1200.

[0259] As can be seen in Figures 22C and 22D, lower surface 1520 of base 1500 of tray 1000 comprises a plurality of catches 1521. More particularly, lower surface 1520 comprises five catches 1521. Catches 1521 are substantially straight and extend longitudinally from left end 1100 to right end 1200 of tray 1000.

[0260] In use, growth media, typically solid, hydroponic growth media, is placed atop ridges 1511 of upper surface 1510 of base 1500 of tray 1000, within the plant growth area extending over upper surface 1510 of base 1500 of tray 1000. In use,ridges 1511 facilitate diffusion of water and / or liquid hydroponic growth media within the plant growth area under the solid hydroponic growth media placed thereatop.

[0261] In use, catches 1521 of lower surface 1520 of base 1500 of tray 1000 facilitate stable holding of tray 1000 with platform engaging portion 220 of platform 200 of apparatus 10. As can be seen in Figure 20, in use, tray catches 1521 are inserted into slots 2582 of raised engaging portion arm edges 2581 of engaging portion arms 221 of engaging portion 220 of platform 200, as tray 1000 extends longitudinally across engaging portion arms 221 .

[0262] In use, vacuum holders 223 of engaging portion 220 of platform 200 facilitate stable holding of tray 1000. With tray 1000 extending longitudinally across engaging portion arms 221 and catches 1521 of lower surface 1520 of base 1500 inserted into slots 2582 of raised engaging portion arm edges 2581 , respective front vacuum holders 2231 of engaging portion arms 221 are against lower surface 1520 of base 1500 near to front side 1300 of tray 1000, and respective rear vacuum holders 2232 of engaging portion arms 221 are against lower surface 1520 of base 1500 near to rear side 1400 of tray 1000. In use, with vacuum unit 2234 activated and vacuum holders 223 of engaging portion 220 against lower surface 1520 of base portion 1500 of tray 1000, vacuum holders actively hold tray 1000 in place using suction.

[0263] As hereinabove described, apparatus 10 is adapted for placing plant receptacles onto vertically stacked growth rack levels of vertical farming systems and / or removing plant receptacles from vertically stacked growth rack levels of vertical farming systems.

[0264] Typically, apparatus 10 is used for placing plant receptacles onto vertically stacked growth lack levels of vertical farming systems and / or removing plant receptacles from vertically stacked growth rack levels of vertical farming systems, wherein the vertically stacked growth rack levels comprise a growth rack conveyer.

[0265] A typical embodiment of a growth rack conveyer for use with apparatus 10, growth rack conveyer 50, can be seen in Figures 23 and 24.

[0266] Growth rack conveyer 50 comprises a plurality of growth rack belt conveyer units 51 .

[0267] More particularly, growth rack conveyer 50 comprises four growth rack belt conveyer units 51 , each growth rack belt conveyer unit 51 comprising looped growthrack conveyer belt 514 extending between first growth rack conveyer belt mount 512 and second growth rack conveyer belt mount 513. As can be seen in Figure 24, growth rack conveyer belts 514 comprise protrusions 5141 for engagement with corresponding engaging parts of plant receptacles, such as catches 1521 of lower surface 1520 of base 1500 of tray 1000.

[0268] Growth rack conveyer 50 further comprises growth rack conveyer drive 52.

[0269] As can be seen in Figure 23, growth rack conveyer drive 52 comprises first and second growth rack conveyer rotary actuators 521 ; and growth rack conveyer drive shaft 522. Growth rack drive shaft 522 extends between first growth rack conveyer belt mounts 512 of growth rack conveyer units 51 .

[0270] In use, growth rack conveyer 50 is for conveying suitable plant receptacles, such as trays 1000, extending across growth rack belt conveyer units 511 , between an entry end and an exit end of growth rack conveyer 50. In use, synchronised activation of rotary actuators 521 results in synchronised rotation of looped growth rack conveyer belts 514 via growth rack drive shaft 522, wherein plant receptacles extending across growth rack belt conveyer units 511 are conveyed towards the exit end of growth rack conveyer 50.

[0271] In use, apparatus 10 can place suitable plant receptacles, such as tray 1000, onto growth rack conveyer 50 at the entry end and / or remove suitable plant receptacles, such as tray 1000, from growth rack conveyer at the exit end.

[0272] It will be appreciated that controlled lateral extension and retraction of platform engaging portion 210, as hereinabove described, is used for placement of suitable plant receptacles, such as tray 1000, on growth rack conveyer 50 and / or removal of suitable plant receptacles, such as tray 1000, from growth rack conveyer 50.

[0273] In at least some typical embodiments, vertical farming systems as described herein comprise a first or entry end apparatus 10 for placing suitable plant receptacles, such as trays 1000, onto entry ends of respective growth rack conveyers 50 of a plurality of vertically stacked growth rack levels; and a second or exit end apparatus 10 for removing suitable plant receptacles, such as trays 1000, from exit ends of respective growth rack conveyers 50 of a plurality of vertically stacked growth rack levels.

[0274] In use, plant receptacles, such as trays 1000, may be placed onto and / or removed from one or more suitable transit conveyers using apparatus 10. It will be appreciated that suitable transit conveyers may be used, in the context of a vertical farming system comprising one or more apparatuses 10, to move trays to and / or from the apparatuses 10.

[0275] Typical embodiments of transit conveyers for use with apparatus 10, transit conveyers 500, can be seen in Figure 25. More particularly, transit conveyers 500 in Figure 25 include transit conveyer 5001 , adapted for loading of a suitable plant receptacle, such as tray 1000, onto and / or off of apparatus 10; and transit conveyers 5002, adapted for moving a suitable plant receptacle such as tray 1000 towards and / or away from apparatus 10.

[0276] As can be seen in Figure 25, transit conveyers 500 comprise transit conveyer body 510; and a plurality of transit conveyer belt units 520, transit conveyer belt units 520 mounted atop transit conveyer body 510.

[0277] Transit conveyer body 510 is adapted to be moved to a desired location at ground level within a vertical farm and stabilised in place. Transit body 510 comprises conveyer body wheels 511 ; and configurable conveyer body stabilisers 512.

[0278] Transit conveyer belt units 520 are adapted for conveying a suitable plant receptacle, such as tray 1000, longitudinally therealong between first transit conveyer end 5210 and second transit conveyer end 521 1. Each conveyer belt unit comprises transit conveyer belt 521 ; and transit conveyer frames 522 bordering transit conveyer belt 521 . At least one transit conveyer belt unit of each transit conveyer comprises a tray guide in the form of bump stop actuator 525 (5251 , 5252).

[0279] Transit conveyer belt units 520 of transit conveyer 5002 can be seen in detail in Figure 26.

[0280] Transit conveyer 5002 comprises first conveyer belt unit 5201 ; and second conveyer belt unit 5202. Each of first and second transit conveyer belt units 5201 , 5202 comprise transit conveyer belt 521 ; and transit conveyer frames 522 (522A, 522B). Transit conveyer frames 522 of second transit conveyer belt unit 5202 comprise bump stop actuators 5252, towards ends of frames 522 (522A, 522B) near to second end 5211 of transit conveyer 5002.

[0281] Transit conveyer belt units 520 of transit conveyer 5001 can be seen in detail in Figure 27.

[0282] Transit conveyer 5001 comprises first conveyer belt unit 5201 ; second conveyer belt unit 5202; and third conveyer belt unit 5203. Each of first, second, and third transit conveyer belt units 5201 , 5202, 5203 comprise transit conveyer belt 521 ; and transit conveyer frames 522 (522A, 522B). Frame of 522A of each of first, second, and third transit conveyer belt units 5201 , 5202, 5203 comprises bump stop actuator 5251 , about midway along frame 522A.

[0283] In use, transit conveyers 500 can be arranged to move suitable plant receptacle, such as trays 1000, to and / or from apparatus 10, and / or for loading of suitable plant receptacles, such as trays 1000, onto and / or off of apparatus 10.

[0284] In use, transit conveyer body wheels 511 can be used to move modular connecting conveyers into a desired arrangement. In use, transit conveyer body stabilisers 512 can be configured into a stabilising configuration for stabilising connecting conveyer in the desired arrangement.

[0285] In use, when transit conveyer 5002 is moved into a desired arrangement such as shown in Figure 25, transit conveyer 5002 can convey suitable plant receptacles, such as trays 1000, to and / or from apparatus 10, by conveying the plant receptacle longitudinally along first conveyer belt unit 5201 and second conveyer belt unit 5202, between first transit conveyer end 5210 and second transit conveyer end 5211.

[0286] In use, bump stop actuators 5252 of transit conveyer 5002 can guide and control conveying of suitable plant receptacles, such as trays 1000, including by stopping movement of the plant receptacle prior to second transit conveyer end 5211 .

[0287] In use, when transit conveyer 5001 is moved into a desired arrangement such as shown in Figure 25, transit conveyer 5001 can receive suitable plant receptacles, such as trays 1000 from transit conveyer 5002 and / or convey trays 1000 to transit conveyer 5002, by conveying trays 1000 longitudinally along first conveyer belt unit 5201 , second conveyer belt unit 5202, and third conveyer belt unit 5203, between first transit conveyer end 5210 and second transit conveyer 5211 .

[0288] In use, bump stop actuators 5251 of transit conveyer 5001 can guide and control conveying of suitable plant receptacle, such as tray 1000, including by positioning the plant receptacle for collection by apparatus 10.

[0289] In use, when transit conveyer 5001 is moved into a desired arrangement such as shown in Figure 25, apparatus 10 can obtain a suitable plant receptacle,such as tray 1000, from transit conveyer 5001 and / or place a suitable plant receptacle, such as tray 1000, on transit conveyer 5001 .

[0290] It will be appreciated that controlled lateral extension and retraction of platform engaging portion 210, as hereinabove described, is used to obtain a suitable plant receptacle, such as tray 1000, from transit conveyer 5001 and / or place a suitable plant receptacle, such as tray 1000, on transit conveyer 5001 .

[0291] Certain non-limiting advantages of typical aspects and embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example.

[0292] Advantageously, apparatus 10 facilitates fast and stable vertical and lateral movement of plant receptacles, such as tray 1000.

[0293] The combination of stabilised and counterweighted rack and pinion actuation for raising and lowering a platform supporting a plant receptacle, with stabilised rack and pinion actuation for extending and retracting an engaging portion of the platform, can be highly advantageous for speed and stability of vertical and lateral movement of plant receptacles.

[0294] As hereinabove described, it will be appreciated that raising and lowering of platform 200 with actuator 300 is driven by central rack and pinion connections wherein pinions of pinion cases 321 , 322 are engaged with racks 1 123, 1133, supplemented by connection of platform 200 with counterbalance 400, and stabilised by outer connections wherein slide mounts 2131 , 2132 are engaged with tracks 1124, 1134.

[0295] As hereinabove described, it will be appreciated that extending and retracting of engaging portion 210 with actuator 230 is driven by central rack and pinion connections wherein pinions of pinion cases 2321 , 2322 are engaged with racks 233, and stabilised by outer connections wherein left platform actuator stabiliser 2361 and right platform actuator stabiliser 2362 are engaged with tracks 2364.

[0296] By way of specific example of the advantageous speed and stability of vertical and lateral movement of plant receptacles, it has been observed that for growth rack heights of up to 30 metres, apparatus 10 is capable of moving a plant receptacle, such as tray 1000, from ground level to a top level of the growth rack, placing the plant receptacle on the top level of the growth rack, and returning to ground level, in under 15 seconds.

[0297] The inclusion of engaging parts in an engagement portion of the platform for engagement with corresponding engaging parts of a plant receptacle, such as herein described, can be highly advantageous for stable support of the plant receptacle by the platform engaging portion during vertical and lateral movement of the plant receptacle with the platform. This may be particularly advantageous given the rapid vertical and lateral tray conveying that may be achieved in accordance with typical embodiments of the invention.

[0298] The inclusion of a plant receptacle holder in the form of vacuum components in an engagement portion of the platform for actively holding the plant receptacle using suction, such as herein described, can be highly advantageous for stable support of the plant receptacle by the platform engaging portion during vertical and lateral movement of the plant receptacle with the platform. This can be particularly advantageous given the rapid vertical and lateral tray conveying that may be achieved in accordance with typical embodiments of the invention.

[0299] The inclusion of extensive structural pocketing in an engaging portion of a platform for supporting a plant receptacle, and in a base portion of the platform for supporting the engaging portion, can be highly advantageous for weight and friction reduction and associated increase in speed of vertical and lateral movement of the platform.

[0300] In particular, the specific design of platform engaging portion 210 and platform base portion 220 of apparatus 10 as set out herein, with reference to the figures, and including extensive structural pocketing, has been optimised using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The incorporation of a plurality of engaging portion arms and a corresponding plurality of base portion arms, the engaging portion arms and base portion arms including extensive structural pocketing, is considered highly advantageous for decreasing weight while maintaining stability. The incorporation of an engaging portion brace and a base portion brace including extensive structural pocketing, is considered highly advantageous for decreasing weight while maintaining stability.

[0301] It will be appreciated that structural pocketing of platform 200, including of platform engaging portion 210 and platform base portion 220, and parts thereof, comprises polygonal spaces defined by relatively thin frame or web sections. In some typical embodiments, structural pocketing of platform 200, platform 210, platform 220,or one or more parts thereof, comprises triangular spaces defined by frame, web, or border sections. A plurality, a majority, or all of the triangular spaces may be of substantially similar size and shape.

[0302] A relative high ratio of areas of the structural pockets of platform 200, platform engaging portion 210, platform base portion 220, or one or more parts thereof, as compared to an area of the frame, web, or border sections, or the like may be particularly advantageous. In some typical embodiments, the ratio of areas of the structural pockets of platform 200, platform engaging portion 210, platform base portion 220, or one or more parts thereof, as compared to an area of the frame, web, or border sections, or the like, is at least about: 2:1 ; 3:1 ; 4:1 ; 5:1 ; 6:1 ; 7:1 ; 8:1 ; 9:1 ; 10:1 ; 11 :1 ; 12:1 ; 13:1 ; 14:1 ; 15:1 ; 20:1 ; 25:1 ; or 50:1.

[0303] It will be understood generally that the above description of embodiments of the invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. In some instances, well-known components and / or processes have not been described in detail, so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein.

[0304] Numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0305] In this specification, the use of the terms “suitable" and “suitably”, and similar terms, is not to be read as implying that a feature or step is essential, although such features or steps may well be preferred.

[0306] In this specification, the indefinite articles “a” and “an" are not to be read as singular indefinite articles or as otherwise excluding more than one or more than a single subject to which the indefinite article refers. For example, “a” stand includes one stand, one or more stands, and a plurality of stands.

[0307] In this specification, the terms “comprises”, “comprisin ', “includes", “including’, and similar terms, are intended to denote the inclusion of a stated integer or integers, but not necessarily the exclusion of another integer or other integers, depending on context. That is, an apparatus, system, or method, etc., that comprisesor includes stated integer(s) need not have those integer(s) solely, and may well have at least some other integers not stated, depending on context.

[0308] In this specification, the terms “consisting essentially of and “consists essentially of are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion only to the extent that, if additional elements are included beyond those elements recited, the additional elements do not materially alter basic and novel characteristics. That is, an apparatus, system, or method that “consists essentially of one or more recited elements includes those elements only, or those elements and any additional elements that do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the apparatus, system, or method.

[0309] In this specification, terms such as “above" and “be / ow”; “front and “rear”', “top" and “bottom”-, “left and “right’-, “horizontal’ and “vertical’, and the like, may be used for descriptive purposes. However, it will be understood that embodiments can potentially be arranged in various orientations, and that such relative terms are not limiting and may be interchangeable in appropriate circumstances.

[0310] In this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the terms “connection", “connected", “ connecting" , and the like, are not to be read as limited to direct connections and may also include indirect connections. For example, unless the context requires otherwise, a stated first component “connected’ to a stated second component may be connected via, through, or by, one or more unstated components.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A plant receptacle conveying apparatus for a vertical farming system, the apparatus comprising: a platform for supporting a plant receptacle; a stand for supporting the platform; a first actuator for raising and / or lowering the platform; and a second actuator for laterally moving the platform, or a part thereof.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first actuator is for raising and lowering the platform.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the platform is linearly movably connected with the stand, wherein raising and / or lowering the platform with the first actuator linearly moves the platform relative to the stand.

4. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the platform, or a part thereof, is in geared or cogged connection with the stand, wherein raising and / or lowering of the platform with the first actuator involves rotation of a gear or cog connecting the platform, or the part thereof, and the stand.

5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the platform, or a part thereof, is slidably connected with the stand, wherein raising and / or lowering of the platform with the first actuator slides the platform, or the part thereof, relative to the stand.

6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the platform comprises a base portion and an engaging portion, the engaging portion for supporting a plant receptacle, and the base portion for supporting the engaging portion.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second actuator is for laterally moving the engaging portion of the platform relatively to the base portion of the platform.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the platform engaging portion, or a part thereof, is in geared or cogged connection with the platform base portion, wherein lateral movement of the engaging portion with the second actuator involvesrotation of a gear or cog connecting the platform engaging portion, or the part thereof, and the platform base portion.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the platform engaging portion, or a part thereof, is slidably connected with the platform base portion, wherein lateral movement of the platform engaging portion with the second actuator slides the platform engaging portion, or the part thereof, relative to the platform base portion.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the platform engaging portion comprises a plurality of engaging portion arms for supporting a plant receptacle thereacross.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the engaging portion arms comprise one or more engaging parts, such as protrusions and / or indentations, for engaging with one or more respective engaging parts, such as protrusions and or indentations, of a plant receptacle.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 6 to 11 , wherein the platform base portion comprises a plurality of base portion arms for supporting the platform engaging portion.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, comprising the plurality of engaging portion arms and the plurality of base portions arms, wherein each arm of the plurality of engaging portion arms is linearly movably connected with a respective arm of the plurality of base portion arms.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein the platform engaging portion comprises one or more holders for actively holding a plant receptacle.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the holders comprise vacuum components, for actively holding the plant receptacle by suction.

16. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the first actuator is a linear actuator.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first actuator is a rack and pinion actuator.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first actuator comprises a plurality of rack and pinion connections, such as of a plurality of pinion cases.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first actuator comprises a first pinion case; and a second pinion case.

20. The apparatus of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein one or more pinion cases of the first actuator are attached to the platform base portion.

21. The apparatus of any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein one or more pinions of the first actuator engage with one or more racks of the stand.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein a first pinion of the first actuator engages with a first rack of the stand; and a second pinion of the first actuator engages with a second rack of the stand.

23. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the second actuator is a linear actuator.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the second actuator is a rack and pinion actuator.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the second actuator comprises a plurality of rack and pinion connections, such as of a plurality of pinion cases.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the second actuator comprises a first pinion case; and a second pinion case.

27. The apparatus of any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the platform comprises a platform engaging portion and a platform base portion, and one or more pinion cases of the second actuator are attached to the platform engaging portion.

28. The apparatus of any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the platform comprises a platform engaging portion and a platform base portion, and one or more pinions of the second actuator are engaged with one or more racks of the platform base portion.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein a first pinion of the second actuator engages with a first rack of the platform base portion; and a second pinion of the second actuator engages with a second rack of the platform base portion.

30. The apparatus of any preceding claim, comprising a counterbalance for supplementing raising and / or lowering of the platform using the first actuator.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the counterbalance comprises one or more counterbalance linkers; and one or more counterbalance weights, wherein the counterbalance linkers are connected with the platform, and the counterbalance weights are connected with the counterbalance linkers.

32. The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the counterbalance linkers are movably connected with the stand via one or more counterbalance linker guides.

33. The apparatus of claim 31 or claim 32, wherein the counterbalance weights are linearly movably connected with the stand, wherein raising and / or lowering of the platform linearly moves the counterbalance weights relative to the stand.

34. The apparatus of any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the counterbalance comprises first and second counterbalance units, each counterbalance unit comprising a counterbalance weight connected to one or more counterbalance linkers.

35. The apparatus of any preceding claim, comprising a controller.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the controller is a programmable and / or automatic controller.

37. The apparatus of claim 35 or 36, wherein the controller is for programmable and / or automatic control of the first actuator and the second actuator.

38. A kit comprising the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 37; and a plant receptacle.

39. The kit of claim 38, wherein the plant receptacle is a substantially elongated trays, comprising first and second sides extending between a first end and a second end of the tray; and a base comprising an upper surface and a lower surface.

40. The kit of claim 39, wherein the lower surface of the base of the plant receptacle comprises a plurality of catches, the plurality of catches for engaging with a plurality of engaging portion arms of an engaging portion of the platform of the plant receptacle conveying apparatus.41 . A system for vertical farming, comprising the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 37; and a growth rack comprising a plurality of growth rack levels.

42. The system of claim 41 , wherein one or more, or each, of the plurality of growth rack levels of the growth comprise a growth rack conveyer.

43. The system of claim 42, wherein the growth rack conveyer comprises a conveyer drive and a plurality of conveyer belts, the conveyer belts for linearly moving a plant receptacle extending thereacross between a first end of the growth rack and a second end of the growth rack.

44. The system of claim 43, wherein the conveyer belts of the growth rack conveyer comprise a plurality of protrusions for engagement with a plurality of catches of a lower surface of a plant receptacle.

45. The system of any one of claims 41 to 44, comprising one or more transit conveyers, for conveying a plant receptacle to or from the apparatus of the system.

46. The system of claim 45, wherein the transit conveyer comprises a conveyer belt for linearly conveying a plant receptacle extending therealong.

47. The system of claim 45 or claim 46, the transit conveyer comprising one or more actuatable guides, for adjusting or controlling position or orientation of a plant receptacle conveyed therealong.

48. The system of claim 47, wherein the guides comprise one or more bump stops.

49. A method for conveying a plant receptacle to a selected level of a plurality of growth rack levels of a growth rack, the method including steps of: moving a platform supporting a plant receptacle to the selected level of the plurality of growth rack levels by raising and / or lowering the platform with an actuator, the platform supported by a stand, and the actuator connected with the platform and the stand; placing the plant receptacle on and / or removing the plant receptacle from the selected level of the plurality of growth rack levels by laterally moving the platform or a part thereof with an actuator, the actuator of or connected with the platform.

50. A plant receptacle for, or suitable for, the kit of any one of claims 38 to 40 or the system of any one of claims 41 to 48, or when used for the method of claim 49.51 . A growth rack comprising a plurality of growth rack levels for, or suitable for, the system of any one of claims 41 to 48, or when used for the method of claim 49.

52. A growth rack conveyer for, or suitable for, the system of any one of claims 41 to 48, or when used for the method of claim of 49.

53. A transit conveyer for, or suitable for, the system of any one of claims 41 to 48, or when used for the method of claim 49.

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