Container holder latch system

Abstract

A container holder latch system is provided that can hold a container into a holder and direct the container within the holder. The container holder latch system may include a container support surface, a first gate at a proximal end of the system, and a second gate spaced apart from the proximal end of the system. The gate may be configured to operate in an extended orientation to prevent containers positioned on the container support surface from being transferred into or out of the holder. The gates may be configured to operate in a retracted orientation to permit the containers to be transferred out of the holder or further into the holder and across the spaced gates. The container holder latch system may be part of a container transfer system that may include a container transfer carriage for moving containers into and away from a support surface of the container holder latch system.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of co-pending, commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 331,919, filed on April 18, 2022. The entire contents of the foregoing provisional application are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Vertical aeroponic and / or hydroponic systems may include rack and tower structures for supporting growing containers and lighting for cultivating plants. These systems may have multiple tiers with multiple containers on each tier and may have rack or tower structures densely spaced in rows within a growing facility. Safely positioning large containers within racks or towers provides for reliable operation of the aeroponic and / or hydroponic systems and may eliminate system downtime caused by releasing stuck or misaligned containers as they translate within the racks. There is a continuing need for container rack and tower systems that support translatable containers and facilitate safe transfer of containers into and away from racks or towers. Summary of the invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a container support latch system that is capable of holding one or more containers into a support or tower and indexing the one or more containers within the support or tower. The container support latch system may include a container support surface, a first gate, and a second gate, the second gate being spaced apart from the first gate of the system by a distance greater than the length of the container. The gate may be configured to operate in an extended orientation that prevents a container positioned on the container support surface from being transferred into or out of the support away from a position between the spaced gates. The gate may be configured to operate in a retracted orientation that permits the container to be transferred out of the support or further into the support and past the gate. The container support latch system may be used in a container transfer system that may include a container transfer carriage having a manipulator that may move a container into and away from the support surface of the container support latch system.

[0005] A support in an embodiment of the present disclosure may refer to a frame that generally has rails, rods, and other frame members connected together, which can provide storage and accommodation of containers within the support. A tower in an embodiment of the present disclosure may refer to a tall structure that can accommodate a container, such as a support or a stack of supports having one or more layers. Containers accommodated in supports and towers can be used for storage, transportation, or for growing plants in a vertical farming system. Embodiments of the present disclosure include a container support latch system and a container tower latch system (hereinafter referred to as a "container support latch system") that allow containers to be transferred to and away from a support or tower, and to position, store, and accommodate containers therein. Containers accommodated in supports and towers can be used for storage, transportation, or for growing plants in a vertical farming system. Aeroponic and hydroponic growth systems can be configured as supports or towers. The terms "support" and "tower" can be used interchangeably throughout the disclosure.

[0006] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the container support latch system includes a gate, which can be configured to rotate between a retracted position and an extended position. The gates can be coupled together in pairs, whereby a pair of gates move together between an extended position or a retracted position. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the paired gates can be physically or electronically coupled to extend or retract together. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the paired gates can be physically coupled by a rotatable shaft. Based on such coupling, the gates can be rotated simultaneously in pairs, and the gates rotate simultaneously in pairs.

[0007] In some other embodiments of the present disclosure, the container support latch system may include a first gate and a second gate configured to operate between a retracted position and an extended position, and may further include a third gate and a fourth gate configured to operate between a retracted position and an extended position. The third gate and the fourth gate may be coupled together by a rotatable shaft. The first gate and the second gate may be separated from the third gate and the fourth gate by a first or proximal end support and a second end support spaced apart from the first end support. In the extended position, the gate prevents the container from moving away from the support surface or prevents the container from moving onto the support surface. In the retracted position, the gate position permits the container to move onto the support surface or move away from the support surface.

[0008] In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the container holder latch system can be positioned or mounted within the holder. The container support surface positioned within the holder can be inclined so that the distance from the support surface to the horizontal surface near the second end latch support is greater than the distance from the support surface to the horizontal surface near the first end latch support.

[0009] In embodiments of the container support latch system of the present disclosure, one or more of the gates may include a force transfer structure on the gate. The force transfer structure may be spaced apart from the rotation axis of the rotatable shaft. The latch actuator mechanism may interact with the force transfer structure on the gate and may be operated to move the gate from an extended position (above the container support surface or above the top edge of the end support) to a retracted position (below the container support surface or below the top edge of the end support).

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a method of operating a vessel holder latch system, which may include the following actions or steps: applying a first force (e.g., by a manipulator) to a first vessel on a support surface of the vessel holder latch system with the gate in an extended position to translate the first vessel to a position between the gates of the holder latch system and whereby the vessel is not in contact with the gates. The method may further include: applying a second force (from a latch actuator mechanism) to a force transfer structure on a proximal gate of the vessel holder latch system to move the proximal gate and the coupled spaced-apart opposing gate from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0011] The method of operating the container holder latch system in the embodiment of the present disclosure may further include: applying a manipulator force to the first container to transfer the first container along the container support surface of the container holder latch system (580) when the gate is in the retracted position.

[0012] The method of operating the container holder latch system in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include directing a container within the holder. In some embodiments, transferring a first container into the holder directs a second container out from between gates in a retracted position, thereby positioning the second container in a position that does not overlap the gates and positioning the first container between the gates. The position of the first container in the holder may be limited by moving the gates from a retracted position to an extended position. In other embodiments, transferring the first container away from a position between gates at the proximal end of the holder may direct the second container from within the holder to a position between the gates. The position of the second container in the holder may be limited by moving the gates from a retracted position to an extended position. The first container may be disengaged from the second container located between the gates in the extended position.

[0013] The method of operating the container support latch system may include retracting the gate using a latch actuator mechanism that may have a lever arm. The lever arm may interact with a force transfer structure on the first gate, which is operable to reversibly move the first gate and the coupled second gate from an extended position (e.g., above the container support surface or above the first set of container supports (574)) to a retracted position (e.g., at or below the container support surface (570) or at or below the first set of container supports (574)).

[0014] The method of operating the container holder latch system may include an action or step of removing or separating a first container from a second container. The second container (464) may be positioned by a manipulator in a non-overlapping position between gates of the holder latch system. The gates may then be extended to restrict movement of the second container between the gates, and then the first container may be separated from the second container by applying a force to the first container by the manipulator and separating the first container from the second container located between the extended gates.

[0015] In an embodiment of a method of operating a vessel holder latch system, extending the gate from the retracted position to the extended position may include disengaging a latch actuator mechanism from a force transmitting structure on a proximal gate of the latch system.

[0016] Further embodiments of the present disclosure may include a method of operating a container holder latch system, the method comprising applying a first force to move a first container to fluidly mate the first container with a second container on a support surface of the container holder latch system. The second container may be located between the first gate and the second gate. The first force may be applied to the first container until the distal end of the second container contacts the second gate, which is spaced apart from the gate at the proximal end of the container holder latch system. The first force may then be removed or reversed, which allows the second container to be positioned between the proximal gate and the gate spaced apart from the proximal end; the second container may not contact the gate. The method may further include a subsequent action or step of retracting the gate of the latch system, whereby the second container may be translated in two directions along the container support surface from between the gates.

[0017] The method of operating the container support latch system may further include applying a force from the latch actuator mechanism to a force transfer structure on the proximal gate of the latch system to move the proximal gate and the coupled opposite gate from an extended position to a retracted position. The method may further include translating the container along the container support surface.

[0018] Another embodiment of the container support latch system of the present disclosure may include a first gate, a second gate and a shaft that rotatably connects the first gate to the second gate and separates the first gate from the second gate. The shaft is fixedly connected to the gate and allows the gates to rotate simultaneously between an extended position and a retracted position in pairs. The shaft can pass through an opening in a first end or a proximal end support and can pass through an opening in a second end support spaced apart from the first end support. The first gate and the second gate may include a force transfer structure connected to the first gate and positioned to be spaced apart from the axis of rotation of the shaft. In some embodiments, the force transfer structure may be a rotatable assembly.

[0019] In embodiments of the container holder latch system, the first gate and the second gate in the extended position may protrude above the container support surface (e.g., the container support surface or the plane defined by the first set of container supports). The first gate and the second gate in the retracted position may be located at or below the container support surface (e.g., the plane defined by the corresponding supports or surfaces), or at or below the first set of container supports. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more sets of container supports and support surfaces may be used interchangeably to refer to surfaces that can support containers in the holder latch system and the holder.

[0020] The container support latch system in the embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a third gate, a fourth gate and an axis that rotatably connects the third gate to the fourth gate and separates the third gate from the fourth gate. The axis is fixedly connected to the gate and allows the gates to rotate simultaneously between the extended position and the retracted position in pairs. The axis can pass through the opening in the first end support and can pass through the opening in the second end support spaced apart from the first end support. The third gate may include a force transfer structure that can be connected to the third gate and is positioned to be spaced apart from the axis of rotation of the shaft.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more of the gates of the vessel holder latch system may have an uneven mass distribution about the axis of rotation of the shaft, which may cause the gates to rotate from the retracted position to the extended position without external forces applied to the gates to hold them in the retracted position. In an embodiment of the vessel holder latch system of the present disclosure, the first gate and the third gate may have a mass distribution about the axis of rotation of the shaft, which may cause the gates to rotate from the retracted position to the extended position relative to the first end support without external forces applied to the first gate and the third gate.

[0022] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a container conveying system. The container conveying system may include a container conveying carriage having a container support surface capable of receiving and conveying a container along the container support surface of the conveying carriage. The container conveying carriage may have one or more manipulators capable of engaging a container. The one or more manipulators may move or translate along the length of the container conveying carriage. The one or more manipulators are adapted to translate the container along the container support surface. The container conveying carriage may optionally have a latch actuator mechanism that may retract and extend a gate of a container holder latching system connected to a support. The support may be configured to removably receive one or more of the containers from the conveying carriage. The container may be positioned between the gates on the support surface of the container holder latching system. The container conveying carriage, the latch actuator mechanism that may be located on the carriage or the support latching system may cooperate to load the container from the container conveying carriage onto the support surface of the support latching system, and cooperate to unload the container from the support surface to the conveying carriage. In some embodiments of the container transfer system, the latch actuator mechanism can be reversibly moved toward or away from the gate. In some embodiments of the latch actuator mechanism, the carrier transfer system can be mounted to the container transfer carrier. In other embodiments of the carrier transfer system, the latch actuator mechanism can be mounted to the container holder latch system. In embodiments of the container transfer system, the movement of the manipulator can be independent of or synchronized with the movement of the latch actuator mechanism.

[0023] Advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure enable active control of containers by one or more of a transfer rack manipulator, a gate in a closed or extended position, or a combination of a transfer rack manipulator and a gate in a closed or extended position. Active control greatly improves the safety of container transfer. In embodiments where containers are used in a growth system, embodiments of the present disclosure also enable safe and repeatable manufacturing and disconnection of fluid couplings during loading and unloading of containers from a rack.

[0024] Any combination and / or arrangement of embodiments is contemplated. Other objects and features will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the drawings are designed only as illustrations and not as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] A more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its numerous attendant advantages will be readily obtained as the present disclosure and its numerous attendant advantages become better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 A vessel holder latching system is shown;

[0027] Figure 2 A vessel holder latching system is shown;

[0028] Figure 3 A front view of a vessel holder latching system is shown;

[0029] Figure 4 Another embodiment of a container holder latching system is shown;

[0030] Figure 5 Aspects of the proximal gate are shown;

[0031] Figure 6 Aspects of retracting the gate are shown;

[0032] Figure 7 Various aspects of the gate are shown;

[0033] Figure 8 shows a side view of a rack and a container positioned therein;

[0034] Fig. 9 shows a side view of a rack with two containers positioned therein;

[0035] Fig.10 schematically illustrates the action of one or more latch actuator mechanisms;

[0036] Fig.11 schematically illustrates the action of one or more latch actuator mechanisms;

[0037] Fig.12 schematically illustrates the action of one or more latch actuator mechanisms;

[0038] Fig.13 schematically illustrates the action of one or more latch actuator mechanisms;

[0039] Fig.14 schematically illustrates the action of one or more latch actuator mechanisms;

[0040] Fig.15 schematically illustrates the action of one or more latch actuator mechanisms;

[0041] Fig.16 schematically illustrates the action of one or more latch actuator mechanisms;

[0042] Fig.17 schematically illustrates the action of one or more latch actuator mechanisms;

[0043] Fig.18 schematically illustrates the action of one or more latch actuator mechanisms;

[0044] Fig.19 schematically illustrates the action of one or more latch actuator mechanisms;

[0045] Fig. 20 schematically illustrates the action of one or more latch actuator mechanisms;

[0046] Fig.21 schematically illustrates the action of one or more latch actuator mechanisms; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Embodiments of the present disclosure include a container support latch system that can hold one or more containers into a support or tower and direct the one or more containers within the support or tower. The container support latch system can include a container support surface, a first gate located at the proximal end of the system, and a second gate spaced apart from the proximal end of the system. The gate can be configured to operate in an extended orientation so that the gate can prevent a container positioned on the container support surface from being transferred to or from the support and support latch system away from the spaced gates. The gate can be configured to operate in a retracted orientation that permits the container to be transferred out of the support, or permits the container to be further transferred into the support and past the spaced gates. The container support latch system can be part of a container transfer system that can include a container transfer carriage having a manipulator for moving the container into the support surface of the container support latch system and for moving the container away from the support surface of the container support latch system.

[0048] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a vessel holder latching system capable of retaining one or more vessels into a holder or tower and directing the one or more vessels within the holder or tower. Figure 1 ). The container support latch system 580 may include a container support surface 570, a first gate 584 located at the proximal end 554 of the system 580, and a second gate 588 located at the rear of the support latch system 580 and spaced from the proximal end 554 of the system 580. The spacing between the gates 584, 588 is greater than the length of the container 460. The gates 584, 588 can be configured to operate in an extended orientation, wherein the gates 584, 588 are adapted to prevent a container 460 positioned on the container support surface 570 from moving away from a position between the gates 584, 588 (see, e.g. Figure 1 ,as well as Fig.11 , Fig.12 and Fig.14 ) into or out of the rack. The gates 584, 588 may be configured to operate in a retracted orientation ( Figure 2), wherein the gates 584, 588 are adapted to permit the container 460 to be transferred from the rack or further into the rack and past the gates 584, 588 (see, e.g., Figure 2 , Fig.10 , Fig.13 ).

[0049] The support in the embodiments of the present disclosure may refer to a frame that generally has rails, rods and other frame members connected together, which can provide an opening for storing and accommodating containers in the support. The tower in the embodiments of the present disclosure may refer to a tall structure that can accommodate a container, such as a support with one or more layers or a stack of supports. The containers accommodated in the support and tower can be used for storage, transportation or for growing plants in a vertical farming system. The embodiments of the present disclosure include a container support latch system and a container tower latch system (hereinafter referred to as a "container support latch system"), which allows the container to be transferred to the opening of the support or tower and the container to be transferred away from the opening of the support or tower, and the container is positioned, stored and accommodated therein. The containers accommodated in the support and tower can be used for storage, transportation or for growing plants in a vertical farming system. Aeroponic and hydroponic growth systems can be configured as a support or a tower. The terms "support" and "tower" can be used interchangeably throughout the disclosure.

[0050] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a rack or tower has multiple levels, and each level of the rack or tower can include a container rack latching system. A container transfer system including a container transfer bracket can cooperate with the latch actuator mechanism to load a container from the container transfer bracket to a support surface of the container rack latching system, and also cooperate to unload a container from the support surface to the bracket.

[0051] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the container support latch system 580 includes a pair of gates (e.g., gates 584, 588), which can be configured to rotate between a retracted position and an extended position. Gates (e.g., gates 584, 588 or gates 582, 586, etc.) can be coupled together in pairs (e.g., gates 584, 588 or gates 582, 586, etc.), whereby a pair of gates move together between an extended position or a retracted position. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, pairs of gates can be physically or electronically coupled to extend or retract together. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, pairs of gates can be physically / mechanically coupled by rotatable latch shafts 576, 578. Based on such coupling, gates 582, 586 rotate simultaneously in pairs, and gates 584, 588 rotate simultaneously in pairs.

[0052] In some other embodiments of the present disclosure, the container support latch system 580 may have a pair of gates including a first gate 584 and a second gate 588 configured to operate between a retracted position and an extended position. The first gate 584 and the second gate 588 may be mechanically coupled together by a rotatable shaft 576. In some embodiments, the support latch system 580 may further have an additional pair of gates, which may include a third gate 582 and a fourth gate 586 configured to operate between a retracted position and an extended position. The third gate 582 and the fourth gate 586 may be mechanically coupled together by a rotatable shaft 578. The first gate 584 and the second gate 588 may be separated from the third gate 582 and the fourth gate 586 by a first end support 546 and a second end support 548 spaced apart from the first end support 546. In the extended position, the gates prevent the container 460 from moving away from the support surface 570 or prevent the container 460 from moving onto the support surface 570. In the retracted position, the gate position permits the container 460 to be moved onto or away from the support surface 570 .

[0053] In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the container holder latch system 580 can be positioned or installed in the holder 450 (see, for example, Figure 1 ). The container holder latch system 580 may include a support 510 having a container support surface 570 on which the container 460 can translate. The support 510 may be mounted to the holder 450. The container support surface 570 positioned within the holder 450 may be inclined or beveled 260 such that a distance d2 from the support surface 570 to the horizontal surface 470 near the second end latch support 548 is greater than a distance d1 from the support surface 570 to the horizontal surface 470 near the first end latch support 546 (e.g., see Figure 8 ).

[0054] In an embodiment of the container support latch system 580 of the present disclosure, one or more of the proximal gates 582, 584 can include a force transfer structure 544. The force transfer structure 544 can be spaced apart from the rotation axis 575 of the rotatable shaft 576 that can connect the pair of gates (e.g., gates 584, 586). The latch actuator mechanism 290 can interact and operate with the force transfer structure 544 on the proximal gate 584 to move the gate 584, 588 from an extended position (a portion of the gate 584, 588 is positioned above the container support surface 570 or the first group of container supports 574) to a retracted position (below the surface 570) (e.g., see Figure 1 and Figure 2). The latch actuator mechanism 290 can interact with the force transfer structure 544 on the gate 582 and can be operated to move the gates 582, 586 from an extended position, in which a portion of the gates 582, 586 is positioned above the container support surface 570 or a set of container supports 574, to a retracted position, in which the gates are located below the support surface 570 or a set of container supports 574 (see, for example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).

[0055] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a method of operating a vessel holder latch system 580, which may include the following actions or steps: applying a first force (e.g., via a manipulator 240) to a first vessel 460 on a support surface 570 of the vessel holder latch system 580 with the gates in an extended position to translate the first vessel 460 to a position between gates (e.g., gates 584, 588) of the vessel holder latch system 580, whereby the vessel is not in contact with the gates ( Fig.12 The method may further include applying a second force (from the latch actuator mechanism 290) to the force transfer structure 544 on the proximal gate 584 of the container holder latch system 580 to move the proximal gate 584 and the coupled relative gate 588 from the extended position to the retracted position (e.g., see Figure 2 , Fig.13 ).

[0056] The method of operating the container holder latch system 580 in the embodiment of the present disclosure may further include: when the gates 584, 588 are in the retracted position (e.g., see Fig.10 and / or Fig.16 ), a manipulator force is applied to the first container 460 (e.g., by the manipulator 240) to transfer the first container 460 along the container support surface 570 of the container holder latch system 580.

[0057] The method of operating the container rack latch system 580 in the embodiments of the present disclosure may include directing a container within the rack. In some embodiments, transferring a first container into the rack directs a second container out from between the gates in the retracted position ( Fig.10 ), thereby positioning the second container in a non-overlapping position and not between the gates ( Fig.13 ), while the first container can be positioned between the gates. By moving the gates from a retracted position to an extended position (e.g. Fig.15 ), the position of the first container in the stent can be limited. In other embodiments, transferring the first container 460 away from the position between the gates located at the proximal end of the stent can direct the second container 464 from within the stent to the position between the gates. By moving the gates from the retracted position to the extended position ( Fig. 20 ), the position of the second container in the support can be limited. By the action of the manipulator 240, the first container can be in the extended position ( Fig. 20 )'s gates are disengaged.

[0058] The method of operating the vessel support latch system 580 may include retracting the gate using the latch actuator mechanism 290, which may have a lever arm 292. The lever arm 292 may interact with a force transfer structure 544 on the gate 584, which may be operated to reversibly move the gate 584, 588 from an extended position (above the vessel support surface 570 or above a set of vessel supports 574) to a retracted position (below the surface 570 or below a set of vessel supports 574) ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).

[0059] The method of operating the vessel holder latch system 580 may include the following actions or steps: removing (separating) the vessel 460 from the vessel 464 with the gate in a retracted position from the proximal end of the vessel holder latch system 580. The vessel 464 may be positioned by the manipulator in a position that does not overlap the gate ( Fig.19 The gate can be extended ( Fig. 20 ), restricting the movement of container 464, and separating container 460 from container 464 by applying a force (←) to container 460 and separating container 460 from an adjacent container 464 located between the extended gates ( Fig.21 ).

[0060] In an embodiment of a method of operating the vessel holder latch system 580 , extending the gate from the retracted position to the extended position may include disengaging the latch actuator mechanism from the force transfer structure 544 on the proximal gate 584 of the latch system 580 .

[0061] Further embodiments of the present disclosure may include a method of operating a container holder latch system 580, the method comprising applying a first force to move a first container 460 to fluidly engage the first container 460 with a second container 464 on a support surface 570 of the container holder latch system 580. The second container 464 may be located between a first gate 584 and a second gate 588. The first force may be applied to the container 460 until a distal end of the second container 464 contacts the second gate 588, which is spaced apart from the gate 584 located at the proximal end 554 of the container holder latch system 580, whereby the containers 460, 464 are fluidly coupled together. The first force may then be removed or reversed, which allows the second container 464 to be positioned between the proximal gate 584 and the gate 588 spaced apart from the proximal end ( Fig.18 ); The container 464 may not be in contact with the gates 584, 588 ( Fig.18 The method may further include a subsequent action or step of retracting the gates 584, 588 of the latch system 580 ( Fig.19 ), whereby the container 460, 464 can be further translated from between the gates into the rack by pushing the container 460, 464 along the container support surface 570 using the manipulator 240. The method can further include a subsequent action or step of retracting the gates 584, 588 of the latch system 580 ( Fig.19 ), whereby the container 464 can be translated in two directions along the container support surface 570 from between the gates.

[0062] The method of operating the container holder latch system 580 can further include applying a force from the latch actuator mechanism to the force transfer structure 544 on the proximal gate 584 of the latch system 580 to move the proximal gate 584 and the coupled opposite gate 588 from the extended position to the retracted position. The method can further include translating a container (e.g., container 460, 464) along the container support surface 570.

[0063] Yet another embodiment of the container holder latch system 580 of the present disclosure may include a first gate 584, a second gate 588, and a shaft 576 that rotatably connects the first gate 584 to the second gate 588 and separates the first gate 584 from the second gate 588. The shaft 576 is fixedly coupled to the gates 584, 588 and allows the gates 584, 588 to rotate simultaneously in pairs between an extended position and a retracted position. The shaft 576 can pass through an opening in the first end support 546 and can pass through an opening in the second end support 548 spaced apart from the first end support 546. The first gate 584 and the second gate 588 may include a force transfer structure 544 connected to the first gate 584 and positioned to be spaced apart from the rotation axis 575 of the shaft 576. In some embodiments, the force transfer structure 544 can be a rotatable component.

[0064] In an embodiment of the container holder latch system 580, the first gate 584 and the second gate 588 in the extended position may protrude above the support surface 570 or above a group of container supports 574. The first gate 584 and the second gate 588 in the retracted position may be located at or below the container support surface 570 (e.g., a plane defined by the respective supports or surfaces) or at or below the first group of container supports 574.

[0065] The container holder latch system 580 in the embodiment of the present disclosure can further include a third gate 582, a fourth gate 586 and an axis 578 that rotatably connects the third gate 582 to the fourth gate 586 and separates the third gate 582 and the fourth gate 586. The axis 578 is fixedly coupled to the gates 582, 586 and allows the gates 582, 586 to rotate simultaneously between the extended position and the retracted position in pairs. The axis 578 can pass through the opening in the first end support 546 and can pass through the opening in the second end support 548 spaced apart from the first end support 546. The third gate 582 can include a force transmission structure 544 that can be connected to the third gate 582 and is positioned to be spaced apart from the rotation axis 575 of the axis 578.

[0066] In an embodiment of the container holder latch system 580, the third gate 582 and the fourth gate 586 in the extended position may protrude above the container support surface 570 or above the first group of container supports 574. The third gate 582 and the fourth gate 586 in the retracted position are located at or below the container support surface 570 (e.g., a plane defined by the corresponding supports or surfaces) or at or below the first group of container supports 574.

[0067] In embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more of the gates of the vessel holder latch system 580 may have an uneven mass distribution about the axis of rotation of the shaft 576 (e.g., axis 575), which may cause the gates to rotate from the retracted position to the extended position without external forces being applied to the gates to hold them in the retracted position. In embodiments of the vessel holder latch system 580 of the present disclosure, the first gate 584 and the third gate 582 may have a mass distribution about the axis of rotation 575 of the shaft 576, 578, which may cause the gates 584, 582 to rotate from the retracted position to the extended position relative to the first end support 546 or the support surface 570 without external forces being applied to the first gate and the third gate 584, 582.

[0068] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a container transfer system 200. The container transfer system 200 may include a container transfer carriage 220 having a container support surface 230 capable of receiving and transferring a container 460 along the container support surface 230 of the transfer carriage 220. The container transfer carriage 220 may have one or more manipulators 240 capable of engaging a container 460. The manipulators 240 may translate along the length of the container transfer carriage 220 and are adapted to translate the container 460 along the container support surface 230 of the transfer carriage 220. The container transfer system 200 may include a container rack latch system 580 connected to a rack 450. The rack latch system 580 and the rack 450 may accommodate individual containers 460 within each layer and on one or more layers. Individual containers 460 may also be removed from the rack 450 and the rack latch system 580. The rack latch system 580 includes gates (e.g., gates 584, 588) and a support 510 having a support surface 570. The rack 450 and the rack latch system 580 are configured to receive and store one or more containers (e.g., containers 460, 464, etc.) on the support surface 570 or a set of container supports 574. The container 460 can be positioned between the gates of the container holder latch system 580, and the container 460 can also be positioned along the gate-free portion of the rack 450. The container transfer system 200 can include a latch actuator mechanism 290 that retracts or extends the gates (e.g., gates 584, 588) of the container holder latch system 580. The container transfer carriage 220 and the latch actuator mechanism 290 can cooperate to load the container 460 from the container transfer carriage 220 onto the support surface 570 of the container holder latch system 580. The container transfer carriage 220 and the latch actuator mechanism 290 may also cooperate to unload the container 460 from the support surface 570 to the carriage 220 .

[0069] In some embodiments of the container transfer system 200, the latch actuator mechanism 290 can be moved toward the gate and away from the transfer carriage 220, and the latch actuator mechanism 290 can also be moved away from the gate and toward the transfer carriage 220. The latch actuator mechanism 290 can be mounted to the container transfer carriage 220. The latch actuator mechanism 290 can be mounted to the container holder latch system 580. The movement of the carrier handler 240 can be independent of the movement of the latch actuator mechanism 290.

[0070] Figure 1A container holder latch system 580 in one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, which container holder latch system can include a gate 584 in an extended position at the proximal end 554 of the system 580 and a gate 588 in an extended position, which gate can be spaced apart from the gate 588 at the proximal end 554 of the system 580 by more than the length of the container 460. In the extended position, the first gate 584 and the second gate 588 can protrude above the container support surface 570 or above the first set of container supports 574. The space between the gates 584, 588 can be sized to accommodate the container 460 without the container 460 contacting either of the gates 584, 588 in the extended position. For example, the gates 584, 588 can be proximate to opposite ends of the container 460 without contacting the container (e.g., Fig.12 The gates 584, 588 may be coupled via a rotatable latch shaft 576. Figure 1 As shown, the container support latch system 580 can include other pairs of gates (e.g., gates 582, 586) located at the proximal end and spaced apart from the proximal end, which can be connected by an axis 578. The container support latch system 580 can have one or more spacing members or end supports 546, 548. The spacing members or end supports 546, 548 can be positioned within the support to support the gates, separate one or more axes 576, 578, and allow rotation of the gates and the axes. The spacing members or end supports 546, 548 can be located between opposing supports 510. The spacing members or end supports 546, 548 can be connected to the supports 510, the support frame members, or a combination of these. As shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the container holder latch system 580 can have one or more container supports 510, and the container support 510 can have a container support surface 570. In some embodiments, in addition to the container support surface 570, the container support 510 can have an opening 520 to support a lighting lamp 610. Figure 1 As shown, the container 460 can translate on the container support 510 located on both sides of the bracket latch system 580 and the bracket 450. In some embodiments of the bracket latch system 580, such as Figure 3As shown, each of the lighting and container supports 510 can further include a first set of container supports 574 and a second set of container supports 572 rotatably coupled to the lighting and container supports 510. The container supports 510 and optional lighting supports can be mounted or fixed to the frame members of the support or tower 450. The supports 510 can be spaced apart and connected to the support 450 by spacer members or end supports 546, 548. The spacing between the supports 510 can be slightly larger than the width of the container 460 to allow the container 460 to move within the support latch system 580. The gate can include a force transfer structure 544 on the gate 584, which is spaced apart from the rotation axis 575 of the rotatable shaft 576. The latch actuator mechanism 290 may optionally have a lever arm 292 or other engagement mechanism that may interact with the force transfer structure 544 on the gate 584 and may be operated to move the gate 584, 588 from an extended position above the container support surface 570 or above the first set of container supports 574 to a retracted position (below the surface 570 or below the first set of container supports 574) ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the gate can have a mass distribution about the axis of rotation of the shaft (e.g., the axis of rotation 575 of the shaft 576 connected to the gate 584), such that in the absence of an external force applied to the force transfer structure 544 by the latch actuator mechanism 290, a greater mass distribution on one side of the axis of rotation 575 can cause the gate 584 to rotate from the retracted position to the extended position relative to the first end support member 546 (see Figure 2 ).

[0071] Figure 2 The embodiment of the present disclosure is shown Figure 1 580 of a container support latch system, wherein the gates 582, 584, 586, 588 are in a retracted position. In the retracted position, the gates 582, 584, 586, 588 can be located at or below the container support surface 570, or even at or below the top surface of the first set of container supports 574. Figure 2 The lever arm 292 of the latch actuator mechanism 290 is shown to resist the action of the force transfer structure 544 on the gate at the proximal end 554, which results in positioning one of the more pairs of coupled gates (gates 582 and 586, gates 584 and 588) in the retracted position. With one or more coupled gates (gates 582 and 586, gates 584 and 588) in the retracted position, the container 460 is unimpeded and free to move or translate along the container support surface 570.

[0072] Figure 3A front view of a container holder latch system 580 is shown, wherein a container 460 contacts a first set of container holders 574 and a second set of container holders 572. Gates 582, 584 are in an extended position and restrict movement of the container 460 away from gates 582, 586 (not shown) and a position between gates 584 and 588 (not shown). The container holder latch system 580 can have one or more container supports 510, and the container support 510 can have a container support surface 570 or a support 574. In some embodiments, in addition to the container support surface 570 or 574, the container support 510 can have an opening 520 to support a lighting lamp 610.

[0073] Figure 4 An embodiment of the present disclosure is shown having an electromagnetic or pneumatic latch actuator mechanism 290 connected to a vessel holder latch system at a proximal end 554 of the vessel holder latch system 580. The latch actuator mechanism may optionally have a lever arm 292 or other engagement mechanism that may interact with a force transfer structure 544 on a gate 584. The latch actuator mechanism 290 may be operated to move the gate 584 between an extended position (above the vessel support surface 570 or above the first set of vessel supports 574) and a retracted position (not shown, but at or below the surface 570, or at or below the first set of vessel supports 574). The gate 584 in the extended position shown may restrict the translation of the vessel 460 along the vessel support surface 570 past the gate 584. The gate 584 in the retracted position (not shown) may permit the translation of the vessel 460 along the vessel support surface 570 past the gate 584. The gate 584 may be coupled via a rotatable shaft 576 having an axis of rotation 575; the rotatable shaft 576 may be coupled to another gate, such as 586 (not shown). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the rotatable shaft 576 may be eliminated using two or more electromagnetic and / or pneumatic latch actuator mechanisms 290 positioned at the proximal end of the support latch 580 to act on the corresponding gates (e.g., gates 582 and 584), and the two or more latch actuator mechanisms may be positioned spaced apart from the proximal end of the support latch 580 to act on the corresponding gates (e.g., gates 586, 588). The electromagnetic and / or pneumatic latch actuator mechanisms located at the front and rear of the support latch may be electronically or pneumatically coupled to extend and retract together.

[0074] Figure 5 Aspects of the proximal gate 582 are shown in greater detail in an extended position with a portion thereof positioned above the support surface 570 or above the first set of container supports 574. Also shown is the first end support 546 having an opening for the shaft 578 in the disclosed embodiment.

[0075] Figure 6 Aspects of retracted, separate gates 584, 588 coupled by a rotatable shaft 576 having an axis of rotation 575 are shown in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Optionally, a stop 568, which may be a plate (shown) or a feature of the first end support 546, may be positioned in the vessel holder latch system 580 to limit the rotation of the gates 584, 588. Figure 6 , a portion of gate 584 is shown as contacting plate 568.

[0076] Figure 7 Aspects of extended, separate gates 584, 588 are shown coupled by a rotatable shaft 576 having an axis of rotation 575 in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The gate 584 in the extended position does not contact the plate 568.

[0077] Figure 8 A side view of a support or tower 450 and a container 464 positioned on a container support surface 570 within the support or tower 450 is shown. The latch actuator mechanism 290 is shown positioned below the carriage 220 and positioned at or behind a plane (e.g., plane 226) that includes the front of the carriage 220. The latch actuator mechanism 290 can extend from below the carriage 220 toward the support 450 and the support latch 580 (not shown) to engage a gate (e.g., gates 582 and 584 (not shown)) and retract the gate. The latch actuator mechanism 290 can be mounted to the transfer carriage 220. Figure 8 Further shown is an embodiment of a bracket latch 580 and bracket 450 having an inclined container support surface 570, at the second end support member 548 ( Figure 1 ) The container support surface 570 is spaced a distance (d2) from the horizontal surface 470, wherein (d2) is greater than the distance (d2) between the first end support member 546 and the horizontal surface 470. Figure 1 ) is a distance (d1) from the support surface 570 to the horizontal surface 470 near the support surface 570. The containers 460, 446 may have matable fluid fittings 440, 452, 442 to permit the containers 460, 446 to be fluidly coupled relative to each other.

[0078] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 82 and 3. A side view of a rack or tower 450 and a transfer carriage 220 is shown. Two containers 460, 464 are shown positioned on a container support surface 570 within the rack or tower 450. The container 460 is located near the proximal end or front end 554 of the rack 450 and the rack latch system, and the container 464 is positioned outside the container rack latch system and toward the rear end or distal end 556 of the rack 450. The latch actuator mechanism 290 positioned below the carriage 220 is shown in an extended position, passing from the front edge or front face 226 of the carriage 220. In this position, the latch actuator mechanism 290 can engage gates (e.g., gates 582 and 584 (not shown)), causing them to retract and thereby allow the containers 460 to be loaded onto the support surface 570 by force applied by one or more manipulators 240 of the transfer carriage 220. The force applied by manipulator 240 may also translate container 464 further into support 450. Figure 8 As shown, the latch actuator mechanism 290 can be withdrawn from contact with one or more gates by retracting the latch actuator mechanism 290 to a position at a plane including the front face (e.g., face 226) of the bracket 220 or to a position rearward thereof. Once the latch actuator mechanism is withdrawn, the retracted gates (e.g., gates 582 and 584 (not shown)) can be rotated back to the extended position and thereby prevent movement of the container 460.

[0079] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the latch actuator mechanism 290 is separate from the gate or bracket latch system 580. For example, when the latch actuator mechanism is mounted to the conveying bracket 220, a motor, piston or suitable gears can be used to translate the latch actuator mechanism 290 back and forth through the front plane 226 of the conveying bracket 220 to engage the force transmission structure of the gate.

[0080] Figure 8 and Fig. 9Aspects of a container transfer system 200 in an embodiment of the present disclosure are further illustrated. The container transfer system 200 may include a container transfer carriage 220 including a container support surface 230 capable of receiving and transferring a container 460 along the container support surface 230 of the transfer carriage 220. The transfer carriage 220 may have one or more manipulators 240 capable of engaging a surface of the container 460. The manipulators 240 may translate along the length of the container transfer carriage 220. The manipulators 240 engaging the surface of the container 460 are adapted to translate the container 460 along the support surface 230. The container transfer system 200 may further have a latch actuator mechanism 290 that retracts or extends a gate of a container holder latch system 580 connected to a holder or tower 450. The rack 450 can be configured to removably receive one or more of the containers (e.g., containers 460, 464, etc.) between the extendable and retractable gates and on the support surface 570 of the container rack latch system 580. The container transfer carriage 220 and the latch actuator mechanism 290 of the container transfer system 200 can cooperate to load the container 460 from the container transfer carriage 220 to the support surface 570, and cooperate to unload the container 460 from the support surface 570 to the container transfer carriage 220. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the container transfer system 200 may include a latch actuator mechanism 290 that is reversibly movable toward and away from the carrier 220. The movement of the transfer carrier manipulator 240 (e.g., Figure 8 Retract in or Fig. 9 The movement of the latch actuator mechanism 290 may be independent of the movement of the latch actuator mechanism 290. In some embodiments of the container delivery system 200, such as Figure 4 As shown, the latch actuator mechanism 290 can be mounted to the container holder latch system 580. In an embodiment of the container transfer system 200, the container support 510 can have a container support surface 570 or a container support 574. In some embodiments, the container support 510 can have an opening 520 to support a lighting lamp 610.

[0081] Figures 10 to 21 An embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated showing non-limiting gate positions in a rack latch system after engagement with one or more latch actuator mechanisms (not shown) that enable the gate of a vessel rack latch system 580 to be extended or retracted. Figures 10 to 21The position of one or more containers in the container holder latch system and the coupling and decoupling of containers are also schematically shown. One or more manipulators 240 can be part of the transfer carriage 220, and the one or more manipulators can engage the surface of the container 460 and apply force to one or more containers 460 in the container holder system to transfer or translate the container 460 along the container support 570 into the rack 450, out of the rack, and within the rack (see, for example, Figure 8 and Fig. 9 ). The container (e.g., container 460, 464, etc.) may include matable fluid fittings 440, 452, 442 that may be used to fluidly couple the container 460 together. Spacer members or end supports 546, 548 may be positioned within the bracket and bracket latch system to support the gates and one or more shafts 576, 578 and permit rotation of the gates and shafts 576, 578. The space between the gates (gates 584, 588 and gates 582, 586) may be sized to accommodate the container 460 without the container contacting any of the gates in the extended position. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, opposing gates at the proximal end and those gates spaced apart from the proximal end of the bracket (e.g., brackets 582, 586) may be rotatably coupled together. In some figures, for example Fig.17 , for the sake of clarity, part of the container 466 is omitted. The direction of the force applied to the container 460 by the one or more manipulators 240 is shown by the arrow symbols (→) or (←) present in the figure.

[0082] Figures 10 to 21 The top view shown also shows something similar to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Aspects of a container transfer system 200 are shown in a side view, wherein a container 460 can be loaded, unloaded, and translated along a support surface 570 of a support 510 within a rack and / or a container rack latch system 580. The container transfer system 200 can include a rack 450 having a support surface 570. The container 460 can be engaged by a manipulator 240 from a transfer carriage 220 (details not shown) and translated along the support surface 570 and past retract gates (gates 582, 584 and gates 586, 588) and first and second end supports 546, 548. The container 460 engaged by the manipulator 240 can be removed from the support surface 570 and placed onto the container support surface 230 of the transfer carriage 220.

[0083] like Figures 10 to 21The gates in the illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure (e.g., gates 584, 588; gates 582, 586, etc.) can be coupled together in pairs (e.g., gates 584, 588; gates 582, 586, etc.) such that a pair of gates can move together and thereby extend or retract together. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the pairs of gates can be physically or electronically coupled and thereby move together between an extended position or a retracted position. In some other embodiments of the present disclosure, the pairs of gates can be physically coupled via rotatable latch shafts 576, 578. The pairs of gates can be actuated to rotate in opposite directions to achieve a desired retracted position or extended position. For example, as Figure 1 As shown, gates 582, 586 can be rotated in a clockwise direction and gates 584, 588 can be rotated in a counterclockwise direction to be positioned in the retracted position and rotated in counterclockwise and clockwise directions, respectively, to be positioned in the extended position.

[0084] Figure 10-Figure 21 The steps or actions of the various manipulators 240 and latch actuator mechanisms 290 depicted in the drawings can be combined in any order as needed and the steps or actions can be repeated to: load containers 460 from the bracket 220 into the support and support surface 570, convey or translate containers 460 along the support surface 570 within the support latch system and the support, remove or unload containers 460 on the support surface 570 from the support and support latch system, and separate containers 460 from each other. Figure 10-Figure 21 The following sequence depicted in is a non-limiting example of some of these combinations. For example, the container 460 can be loaded into the bracket 450 and the bracket latch system, loaded onto the support surface 570, as depicted in sequence, including but not limited to Fig.17 , Fig.18 , Fig.19 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 In another example, the container 460 can be unloaded or removed from the bracket 450 and the bracket latch system and the container support surface 570, as depicted in sequence, including but not limited to Fig.14 , Fig.15 , Fig.16 , Fig.18 , Fig.19 , Fig. 20 and Fig.21 The aspects described and illustrated in .

[0085] Fig.10is a schematic diagram of a top view of a stent latch system and stent 450 with a support surface 570 in an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the translation of containers 460, 464 along the container support surface 570 located on the opposite side of the stent from the proximal end of the stent toward the end of the stent spaced apart from the proximal end by the manipulator 240 (see also the arrow → for the translation direction). The manipulator 240 applies a force to the containers 460, 464 to translate them into the stent latch system and into the stent. The gates (gates 582, 584 and gates 586, 588) can be acted upon by one or more latch actuator mechanisms 290 (not shown). Fig.10 The gate in is shown in an open or retracted position (solid filled), wherein the container shown passes over the gate. Both containers 460, 464 are shown passing over the retracted gate. Fig.10 Further shown are end supports 546, 548 of a bracket latch system 580 which may space apart a gate on the bracket.

[0086] Fig.11 4 is a top view of a support 450 having a container support surface 570, showing containers 460, 464 held by a manipulator 240 along the support surface 570. The container 460 is shown positioned between extended gates 586, 588 spaced apart from the extended proximal gates 582, 584. The distal surface of the container 460 is shown in contact with the extended gates 586, 588. The gate can be configured to be in an extended position by removing the latch actuator mechanism 290 from engagement with the gate or a force transfer structure on the gate. The gate in the extended position (small grid fill) limits or blocks further translation of the container 460 along the support surface 570.

[0087] Fig.12 4 is a schematic diagram of a top view of a support 450 having a support surface 570 in an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the container 460 being positioned between gates (gates 582, 584 and gates 586, 588) by manipulator 240, wherein neither end of the container 460 contacts the gates in the extended position (small grid fill). Fig.11 The container 460 in the stent is pulled (←) and the container is moved toward the front end / proximal end 554 of the stent (as shown by the arrow) by one or more manipulators 240, Fig.11 The container in can be Fig.12 The container 464 can also be pulled forward by applying a pulling force to the container 460. Fig.12 , the fluid fittings 442, 452 of the containers 460, 464 are shown as being coupled together (see also Fig. 9 ).

[0088] Fig.13is a schematic diagram of a top view of a bracket 450 and a bracket latch system 580 within the bracket 450, the bracket latch system 580 having a first end support 546 and a second end support 548 spaced apart from the first end support 546, and a support surface 570 connected to the side of the bracket 450. Fig.12 The gate is shown in the extended or closed position compared to Fig.13 The gates are shown in a retracted or open position. The gates (gates 582, 584 and gates 586, 588) can be retracted by engaging the latch actuator mechanism 290 (not shown) with the gates. The container 460 is shown positioned between the paired gates by the manipulator. The container 460 is shown not in contact with any gate. The fluid fittings 442, 452 of the containers 460 and 464 are fluidly coupled together when the gates are in the retracted position. The container 464 is shown positioned within the bracket 450 and along the support 570. The container 464 is positioned behind the second end support.

[0089] Fig.14 5 is a schematic diagram of a top view of a support 450 having a support surface 570, which shows a container 460 positioned between gates (gates 582, 584 and gates 586, 588) in an extended or closed position (indicated by small grid fill). The front or proximal surface of the container 460 contacts one or both of the gates 582, 584. One or more manipulators 240 are shown disengaged from the container (460). As the manipulator 240 disengages from the container 460, the slope of the support surface 570 can allow the container 460 in the support 450 to move toward the proximal end of the support 450 via gravity. Therefore, the container 460 can be displaced to the front of the support latch system and contact the gates 582, 584, while the container 464 can be displaced toward the gates 586, 588 near the rear of the container support latch system. As shown, container 460 may fluidly mate with container 464 via fluid fittings 442, 452, container 464 may fluidly mate with container 466 via fluid fittings 440, 456, and so on.

[0090] Fig.15 570, wherein the container 460 is pushed away from contact with the extension gates 582, 584 by applying a force (→) to the container 460 by one or more manipulators 240 engaging the surface of the container 460 (eg, Fig.14 As shown in Fig.15 As shown, after force is applied by manipulator 240 engaged with container 460, container 460 may be positioned between the extended gates (gates 582, 584 and gates 586, 588) and may not be in contact with any of the gates. Fig.15As shown, the container 464 is also positioned away from the gates 586, 588 in the extended position. The containers 460, 464 remain fluidly coupled via the fluid fittings 442, 452.

[0091] Fig.16 is a schematic diagram of a top view of a support frame 450 having a container support surface 570, which depicts a container 460 engaged by a manipulator 240 and a container 464 fluidly connected to the container 460, both of which translate along the container support surface 570 and pass over the retracted gates (gates 582, 584 and gates 586, 588). The container 460 is translated on the support surface 570 toward the proximal end of the support frame 450 by the force (←) applied by the manipulator 240. This translation can be, for example, when the container 460 is such as Fig.15 The illustrated orientation occurs after the gate is retracted from its extended position. The manipulator 240 can translate the container 460 away from the rack 450 and the rack latch system 580 and onto the transfer carriage 220 and the container support surface 230 (not shown).

[0092] Fig.17 is a schematic diagram of a top view of a rack latch system and rack 450 having a support surface 570 , a gate, and first and second end supports 546 , 548 , showing a container 460 engaged by the manipulator 240 . Fig.17 The container 460 is shown as being removed from the transfer carriage 220 (not shown, but see Figure 8 ) is loaded into the support 450 and onto the container support surface 570. One or more manipulators 240 apply a force (→) to the container 460, which translates the container 460 into the support 450. The gates 586, 588 are in the extended position and can act as rear stops to facilitate the engagement of the fluid fittings 442 on the container 460 with the fluid fittings 452 on the container 464 to form mating inlet and outlet fittings between the containers 460, 464. As shown, when the gates 586, 588 are in the extended position and act as stops, the distal end of the container 464 contacts the gates 586, 588 in the extended position to facilitate such mating. The gates 586, 588 in the extended position allow the manipulator 240 to push the container 460 with the fluid fittings 442 into the container 464 with the fluid fittings 452, which can fluidly mate or couple the two containers 460, 464.

[0093] Fig.17 The top view of the container transfer system 200 is similar to Figure 8. The container transfer system 200 may include a rack 450 and a rack latch system 580 having one or more container support surfaces 570 on opposite sides of the interior of the rack 450, one or more gates, and first and second end supports 546 and 548. The container 460 may be engaged by the manipulator 240 and loaded onto the support surface 570 from the container support surface 230 (below the container, not shown) of the transfer carriage 220 (not shown). Fig.17 As shown, once one or more of the gates (gates 584, 588 and / or gates 582, 586) have been opened (see Fig.10 ), the container 460 engaged by the manipulator 240 can be moved from the conveying bracket 220 and the container support surface 230 to the support 450.

[0094] Fig.18 is a schematic diagram of a top view of a support 450 having a support surface 570, showing a mating / fluidically coupled container (e.g., Fig.18 One or more manipulators 240 apply a force (←) in a direction away from the support 450 and toward the carriage transfer surface 230. The force translates the mating containers 460, 464 away from contact with the extended gates 586, 588 to a position where the container 464 is located between the gates 584, 588 and is not in contact with the gates 584, 588.

[0095] Fig.19 is a schematic diagram of a top view of a rack 450 having a support surface 570, showing a container 460 engaged by one or more manipulators 240. A container 464 is shown positioned between gates (gates 582, 584 and gates 586, 588). The gates are shown in a retracted position, having been retracted by engagement of the latch actuator with the gates. Container 460 and container 464 are shown as being fluidly mated via fluid fittings 442, 452. Manipulator 240 can apply a force to the mating containers 460, 464 to translate container 460 into rack 450, as shown. Fig.10 shown.

[0096] Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram of a top view of a bracket 450 having a support surface 570 with gates (gates 584, 588 and gates 582, 586) in an extended position. Fig. 20 Container 460 engaged by manipulator 240 is shown being pulled toward container transfer carriage 220 to be removed from rack 450 (with Fig.19Container 464 is held between the gates. Container 460 is shown as being fluidly mated with container 464, and the two containers 460, 464 are translated by the force applied by manipulator 240 until container 464 contacts the extended front or proximal gates 582, 584.

[0097] Fig.21 is a schematic diagram of a top view of a container transfer system 200. The container transfer system 200 may include a rack 450 having one or more support surfaces 570, a first end support 546 and a second end support 548, and a pair of gates (gates 584, 588 and gates 582, 586). Fig.21 The container 460 engaged by the manipulator 240 of the container transfer carriage (220) is depicted being removed from the holder 450 and positioned on the container support surface 230 of the transfer carriage 220. The container 460 and the container 464 can be separated from each other by the gates 582, 584 in the extended position and by the container 460 being located on the transfer carriage 220 and the container 464 being located within the container holder latch system 580 and between the pair of gates. The container 460 and the fluid fitting 442 can be disengaged or fluidly separated from the container 464 and the fluid fitting 452 by a force applied to the container 460 from the manipulator 240 (see arrow (←)) and by limiting further translation of the container 464 in contact with the extended gates 582, 584. As shown, the fluid fittings 442, 452 of the containers 460, 464 can be separated, respectively.

[0098] Aeroponic farming methods of plant production generally involve spraying a liquid nutrient solution onto the roots of a developing plant that are protruding through a growing medium. In hydroponic farming methods for plant production, developing plants may be placed in a raft with openings and the roots of the developing plants are suspended in a solution of nutrient-rich, oxygenated water. In both aeroponic and hydroponic methods, plants receive light from a suitable light source above the plant to promote photosynthesis and plant development.

[0099] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the container may be a growing container that includes one or more developing plants, germinating and / or germinated seeds. The rack 450 may be part of an aeroponic or hydroponic system. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include methods of using a container transport system to accurately position a container within a rack system and an aeroponic and / or hydroponic planting system, rack, and tower.

[0100] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a method of operating a container transfer system 200, which may include the act or step of transferring a container 460 between a support surface 230 of a container transfer carriage 220 and a support surface 570 of a container holder latching system 580. The container holder latching system may be positioned within the rack 450, and the container transfer carriage may include or contain one or more manipulators 240. The method may include the act or step of sequentially or simultaneously operating one or more manipulators 240 of the container transfer carriage 220 and the container holder latching system 580 to load a container 460 from the container transfer carriage 220 onto the support surface 570.

[0101] Embodiments of methods of operating a container transfer system 200 may include a container transfer carriage 220 that may further include a latch actuator mechanism 290. The latch actuator mechanism 290 may be coupled to the container transfer carriage below the carriage support surface 230. The latch actuator mechanism 290 may include one or more levers or latches 292 adapted to reversibly engage and disengage one or more pairs of spaced gates 584, 588 of the container holder latch system 580. Action of the one or more levers may retract the gates 584, 588.

[0102] In an embodiment of a method of operating a container transfer system, one or more pairs of gates 584, 588 may be in an extended orientation, protruding above a plane defined by the container support walls or surfaces 570, 574 (of the lighting and container support 510), or may be positioned in a retracted orientation, extending below a plane defined by the support surfaces 570, 574. In the extended orientation, the one or more pairs of gates 584, 588 may restrict containers located between the container transfer racks 220 from being transferred to the support surfaces 570, 574 within the rack 450. In the retracted orientation, the one or more pairs of gates 584, 588 enable containers located between the container transfer racks 220 to be transferred to the support surfaces 570 within the rack 450.

[0103] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a method of loading and unloading containers from a container transfer system 200. The method may include moving a container 460 engaged by one or more manipulators 240 of a container transfer carriage 220 onto or away from a container support surface 570 of a container holder latch system 580. In the method, the container may be moved from a first position between a pair of gates in an extended position, wherein the container contacts at least one gate 584 located at a proximal end 554 of the holder, to a second position, wherein the container 460 is not in contact with the gate 584 and is not in contact with the gate 588 when the gate is in the extended position. The method may further include the action or step of retracting the gates 584, 588 at or below the container support surface 570 and translating the container 460 along the support surface 570 to a third position.

[0104] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the term fluid may refer to a gas or a liquid. The liquid may include a water-based solution, an organic solvent, etc. In some embodiments, the liquid may be a nutrient solution, water, or a disinfecting solution for removing biofilm from hydroponic and aeroponic growth systems. In other embodiments, the fluid may be a gas. The gas may be used to flush, clean, or dry pipes and equipment surfaces.

[0105] The following clauses define certain aspects and embodiments of the disclosure.

[0106] Clause 1. A container holder latch system (580), comprising: a first gate (584) located at a proximal end (554) of a holder (450) and a second gate (588) spaced apart from the proximal end of the holder, the gates (584, 588) being configured to operate in an extended orientation ( Figure 1 ), the gates being adapted to prevent a container (460) positioned on a container support surface (570 and / or 574) from being transferred away from a position between the gates, and the gates being further configured to operate in a retracted orientation ( Figure 2 ), wherein the gate is adapted to permit the container to be transferred away from the rack latching system (580) or further transferred along the container support surface (570) into the rack (450) and past the gate.

[0107] Clause 2. The container holder latch system (580) of clause 1, wherein the gates (584, 588) are configured to rotate between the retracted position and the extended position, the gates being coupled together by an axis (576).

[0108] Item 3. The container support latch system (580) according to any one of Items 1 or 2, further comprising a third gate and a fourth gate (582, 586), wherein the third gate and the fourth gate are configured to operate between a retracted position and an extended position, the third gate and the fourth gate are connected together by an axis (578), and the first gate and the second gate (584, 588) are separated from the third gate and the fourth gate (582, 586) by a first end support (546) and a second end support (548) spaced apart from the first end support (546) of the support latch system (580).

[0109] Clause 4. A container holder latch system (580) according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the container support surface (570 and / or 574) is inclined within the holder, and the container support surface is separated from the horizontal surface (470) by a certain distance (d2) near the second end latch support (548), and (d2) is greater than that at the first end support (546, Figure 8 ) is a distance (d1) from the support surface (570) to the horizontal surface (470).

[0110] Item 5. The container holder latching system (580) according to any one of items 1 to 4 further includes a force transfer structure (544) located on the gate (584); the force transfer structure is spaced apart from the rotation axis (575) of the shaft (576) connecting the pair of gates.

[0111] Clause 6. A method of operating a container holder latch system (580), comprising: applying a first force (manipulator 240) to a first container (460) on a support surface (570 and / or 574) of the container holder latch system (580) to translate the first container to a position between gates (584, 588) of the container holder latch system, the gates being in an extended position and the container not in contact with the gates (e.g., Fig.12 and Fig.15 ); and applying a second force (from a latch actuator mechanism (290)) to a force transfer structure (544) on a proximal gate (584) of the container holder latch system (580) to move the proximal gate (584) and the coupled relative gate (588) from the extended position to the retracted position ( Figure 2 , Fig.13 ).

[0112] Clause 7. The method for operating the container holder latch system (580) according to Clause 6, further comprising: when the gate (584, 588) is in the retracted position (e.g. Fig.10 or Fig.16), applying a third force to the first container (460) to transfer the first container along the container support surface (570 and / or 574) of the container holder latch system (580).

[0113] Clause 8. A method for operating a container holder latch system (580) according to clause 7, wherein the transfer of the first container causes the second container (464) to be moved from the retracted position ( Fig.10 ) between the gates; positioning the second container (464) at a position that does not overlap with the gate ( Fig.13 ); and removing the second force, whereby the gate moves from the retracted position to the extended position (e.g., Fig.15 ).

[0114] Clause 9. The method for operating a container holder latch system (580) according to any one of clauses 7 and 8, further comprising: when the gate is in the extended position (e.g. Fig.14 ), removing the third force from one or more containers and bringing the containers into contact with the gate.

[0115] Clause 10. A method for operating a container holder latching system (580) according to Clause 7, wherein the conveying comprises transferring the first container (460) from the container holder latching system (580, e.g. Fig.16 ) is removed from the proximal end.

[0116] Clause 11. A method of operating a container support latch system (580) according to any one of clauses 6 to 10, wherein the latch actuator mechanism (290) includes a lever arm (292) that interacts with a force transfer structure (544) on the gate (584) to reversibly move the gate (584, 588) from the extended position (above the container support surface (570 and / or 574)) to the retracted position (at or below the surface 570 and / or 574) ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).

[0117] Clause 12. A method of operating a container holder latching system (580) according to Clause 10, further comprising positioning the second container in a non-overlapping position between the gates ( Fig.19 ); Extend the gate ( Fig. 20 ); and moving the first container toward the container transfer rack (220) by the manipulator (240) to engage the first container (460) with an extended gate ( Fig.21 ) are separated by a second container (464) therebetween.

[0118] Item 13. A method for operating a container support latch system (580) according to Item 12, wherein extending the gate from the retracted position to the extended position includes: disengaging the latch actuator mechanism (290) from a force transfer structure (544) on a proximal gate (584) of the latch system (580).

[0119] Clause 14. A method of operating a container support latch system (580), comprising: applying a first force to a first container (460) to fluidly engage the first container with a second container (464) on a support surface (570 and / or 574) of the support latch system (580), the second container being located between a first gate (584) in an extended position and a second gate (588) in an extended position, applying the first force to the first container until a distal end of the second container (464) contacts the gate (588) spaced apart from the proximal end ( Fig.17 ); removing the applied first force and positioning the second container (464) between the first gate (584) and a second gate (588) spaced apart from the proximal end, the second container (464) not contacting the gates (584, 588) ( Fig.18 ); and retracting the gates (584, 588) of the container holder latch system (580) ( Fig.19 ).

[0120] Clause 15. A method for operating a container holder latch system (580) according to clause 14, wherein removing the applied first force comprises applying a second force ( Fig.18 ).

[0121] Clause 16. A method for operating a container holder latch system (580) according to any one of clauses 14-15, further comprising: applying a force (from a latch actuator mechanism (290, not shown)) to a force transfer structure (544) on a proximal gate (584) of the latch system (580) to move the first gate (584) and the second gate (588) from the extended position to a retracted position ( Figure 1 to Figure 2 ).

[0122] Clause 17. The method for operating the container holder latching system (580) according to any one of clauses 14-16, further comprising: translating the second container (464) and the first container (460) along the container support (570).

[0123] Clause 18. A method for operating a container support latch system (580) according to any one of clauses 14 to 17, wherein the container support surface (570 and / or 574) is inclined, and the container support surface is separated from the horizontal surface (470) by a certain distance (d2) near the second end support member (548), wherein (d2) is greater than that at the first end support member (546, Figure 8 ) is a distance (d1) from the support surface (570 and / or 574) to the horizontal surface (470) near the support surface (570 and / or 574).

[0124] Item 19. A container support latch system (580) comprising: a first gate (584), a second gate (588), and a shaft (576) that rotatably connects the first gate with the second gate and separates the first gate (584) from the second gate (588), the shaft (576) passing through an opening in a first end support (546), and the shaft passing through an opening in a second end support (548) spaced apart from the first end support; and a force transfer structure (544) connected to the first gate (584), the force transfer structure being positioned to be spaced apart from the rotation axis (575) of the shaft (576).

[0125] Clause 20. The container holder latching system (580) of Clause 19, wherein the force transfer structure (544) includes a rotatable component.

[0126] Clause 21. The container holder latch system (580) of any one of Clauses 19 and 20, wherein the first gate (584) and the second gate are in an extended position above the container support surface (570).

[0127] Item 22. A container support latch system (580) according to any one of Items 19 to 21, further comprising a third gate (582), a fourth gate (586) and an axis (578) rotatably connecting the third gate with the fourth gate and separating the third gate (582) from the fourth gate (586), the axis (578) passing through an opening in the first end support (546) and through an opening in a second end support (548) spaced apart from the first end support; and a force transfer structure (544) connected to the third gate (582) and positioned to be spaced apart from the axis of rotation of the axis (578).

[0128] Item 23. A container support latch system (580) according to any one of items 19 to 22, wherein the first gate and the third gate have a mass distribution about the rotation axis of the shaft (576, 578), which rotates the gates from a retracted position to an extended position relative to the first end support (546) without external force applied to the first gate and the third gate.

[0129] Clause 24. A container transfer system (200) comprising: a container transfer carriage (220), the container transfer carriage comprising: a container support surface (230) capable of receiving and transferring a container (460) along the container support surface (230) of the transfer carriage (220), and a manipulator (240) engaging the container (460), the manipulator translating along the length of the container transfer carriage (220), the manipulator being adapted to translate the container along the container support surface (230); a container holder latch system (580) connected to a holder (450), the holder latch system comprising gates (584, 588) and a support surface (570), the holder latch system (580) being configured to engage the container (460) and the holder latch system (580) being adapted to translate the container along the container support surface (230); One or more of the containers (460, 464, etc.) are received on the support surface (570 and / or 574) and between the gates of the container holder latch system (580); a latch actuator mechanism (290) that retracts and extends the gates (584) of the container holder latch system; wherein the container transfer bracket (220) and the latch actuator mechanism (290) cooperate to load the containers from the container transfer bracket onto the support surface (570) or the first set of container supports (574) of the container holder latch system, and wherein the container transfer bracket (220) and the latch actuator mechanism (290) cooperate to unload the containers from the support surface to the bracket.

[0130] Clause 25. The container transfer system of Clause 24, wherein the latch actuator mechanism (290) is reversibly movable toward and away from the carrier (220).

[0131] Clause 26. The container transport system of any of Clauses 24-25, wherein the latch actuator mechanism is mounted to the container transport carriage.

[0132] Clause 27. The container transfer system of any of Clauses 24-26, wherein movement of the manipulator is independent of movement of the latch actuator mechanism.

[0133] Clause 28. The container transfer system of Clause 24, wherein the latch actuator mechanism is mounted to the container holder latch system.

[0134] Clause 29. The container transport system of any of Clauses 24-28, wherein the support is a tower having a plurality of levels.

[0135] Although exemplary embodiments have been described herein, it is to be expressly noted that these embodiments should not be construed as limiting, but rather additions and modifications to the contents expressly described herein are also included within the scope of the present invention. In addition, it should be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and arrangements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, even if such combinations or arrangements are not expressly indicated herein.

Claims

1. A container holder latching system (580), comprising: A first gate (584) located at the proximal end (554) of the system (580) and a second gate (588) spaced apart from the proximal end of the system, the gates (584, 588) being configured to operate in an extended orientation, wherein the gates are adapted to prevent a container (464) positioned on a container support surface (570) from being transferred away from a position between the extended gates, and the gates are further configured to operate in a retracted orientation, wherein the gates are adapted to permit a container positioned on the container support surface to be transferred away from the rack or further into the rack and past the gates.

2. The container holder latching system (580) of claim 1, wherein: The gates (584, 588) are configured to rotate between the retracted orientation and the extended orientation, and the gates are coupled together by a shaft (576).

3. The container holder latch system (580) according to claim 1 further includes a third gate and a fourth gate (582, 586), wherein the third gate and the fourth gate are configured to operate between the retracted orientation and the extended orientation, the third gate and the fourth gate are connected together by an axis (578), and the first gate and the second gate (584, 588) are separated from the third gate and the fourth gate (582, 586) by a first end support (546) and a second end latch support (548) spaced apart from the first end support (546).

4. The container holder latching system (580) of claim 1, wherein: The container support surface (570) is inclined, and the container support surface is at a certain distance (d2) from the horizontal surface (470) near the second end latch support member (548), and (d2) is greater than the distance (d1) from the support surface (570) to the horizontal surface (470) near the first end support member (546).

5. The container holder latching system (580) according to claim 1 further includes a force transfer structure (544) on the gate (584); the force transfer structure is spaced apart from the rotation axis (575) of the rotatable shaft (576).

6. A method of operating a container holder latching system (580), comprising: applying a first force (manipulator 240) to a first container (460) on a support surface (570) of a container holder latch system (580) according to claim 1 and translating the first container to a position between gates (584, 588) in the container holder latch system, the gates being in an extended position and the container not in contact with the gates (e.g., FIGS. 12 and 15); and, A second force (from a latch actuator mechanism (290)) is applied to a force transfer structure (544) on a first gate (584) of the container holder latch system (580) to move the first gate (584) and the second gate (588) from the extended position to a retracted position (Figures 2, 13).

7. The method for operating the container holder latching system (580) according to claim 6, further comprising: With the gates (584, 588) in the retracted position (e.g., FIG. 10 or 16), a third force is applied to the first container (460) to transfer the first container along the container support surface (570) of the container holder latch system (580).

8. The method for operating the container holder latching system (580) according to claim 7, wherein: The transfer of the first container directs the second container out from between the gates in the retracted position ( FIG. 10 ); positioning the second container in a position that does not overlap the gate ( FIG. 13 ); and removing the second force, whereby the gate moves from the retracted position to the extended position (eg, FIG. 15 ).

9. The method for operating the container holder latching system (580) according to any one of claims 8, further comprising: With the gate in the extended position (eg, FIG. 14 ), the third force is removed from one or more containers.

10. The method for operating the container holder latching system (580) according to claim 7, wherein: The transporting includes removing the container (460) from the proximal end of the container holder latch system (580, e.g., FIG. 16).

11. The method for operating the container holder latching system (580) according to claim 10, wherein: The latch actuator mechanism (290) includes a lever arm (292) that interacts with a force transfer structure (544) on the gate (584, 588) to move the gate (584, 588) from the extended position (above the container support surface (570) or above the first set of container supports (574)) to the retracted position (at or below the surface 570 or at or below the first set of container supports (574)) (Figures 1 and 2).

12. The method for operating the container holder latching system (580) according to claim 10, wherein: Removing the container (460) from the proximal end of the container holder latch system (580, e.g., FIG. 16) further includes positioning the distal end of the container (460) and a second container in a position that does not overlap with the first gate (584) ( FIG. 19 ); extending the first gate ( FIG. 20 ); and separating the container (460) from the container (464) located between the extended gates ( FIG. 21 ) in the container holder latch system (580).

13. The method for operating the container holder latching system (580) according to claim 12, wherein: Extending the gate from the retracted position to the extended position includes disengaging the latch actuator mechanism (290) from the force transfer structure (544) on the proximal gate (584) of the latch system (580).

14. A method of operating a container holder latching system (580), comprising: applying a first force to move a first container (460) to fluidly engage the first container with a second container (464) on a support surface (570, 574) of the stent latch system (580), the second container being located between a first gate (584) in an extended position and a second gate (588) in an extended position, applying the first force until a distal end of the second container (464) contacts a gate (588) in the stent latch system ( FIG. 17 ); removing the applied first force and positioning the second container (464) between the first gate (584) and the second gate (588), the second container (464) not being in contact with the gates (584, 588) (FIG. 18); and, The gates (584, 588) of the vessel holder latching system 580 are retracted (Figure 19).

15. The method for operating the container holder latching system (580) according to claim 14, wherein: Removing the applied first force includes applying a second force to the container (460) in an opposite direction to the applied first force (Figure 18).

16. The method for operating the container holder latching system (580) according to claim 14, further comprising: A third force is applied from the latch actuator mechanism (290) to a force transfer structure (544) on a proximal gate (584) of the container holder latch system (580) to move the first gate (584) and the coupled second gate (588) from the extended position to the retracted position (Figures 1-2).

17. The method for operating the container holder latching system (580) according to claim 14, further comprising: The second container (464) and the first container (460) are translated along the container support (570).

18. The method for operating the container holder latching system (580) according to claim 14, wherein: The container support surface (570, 574) is inclined, and the container support surface is separated from the horizontal surface (470) by a certain distance (d2) near the second end latch support member (548), wherein (d2) is greater than the distance (d1) from the support surface (570) to the horizontal surface (470) near the first end support member (546, Figure 8).

19. A container holder latching system (580), comprising: a first gate (584), a second gate (588), and a rotatable shaft (576) connecting the first gate with the second gate and separating the first gate (584) from the second gate (588), the shaft (576) passing through an opening in a first end support (546), and the shaft passing through an opening in a second end support (548) spaced apart from the first end support; as well as, A force transfer structure (544) is connected to the first gate (584), the force transfer structure being positioned to be spaced from the rotation axis (575) of the rotatable shaft (576).

20. The container holder latching system (580) of claim 19, wherein: The force transfer structure (544) includes a rotatable component.

21. The container holder latching system (580) of claim 19, wherein: The first gate (584) and the second gate are extendable to a position above a top surface of the first end support (546), and the second end support (548) is spaced apart from the first end support.

22. The container holder latch system (580) of claim 19, further comprising a third gate (582), a fourth gate (586), and a rotatable shaft (578) connecting the third gate with the fourth gate and separating the third gate (582) from the fourth gate (586), the shaft (578) passing through an opening in the first end support (546) and through an opening in the second end support (548) spaced apart from the first end support; and, A force transfer structure (544) is connected to the first gate (582) and is positioned to be spaced apart from the axis of rotation of the shaft (578).

23. The vessel holder latching system (580) of claim 19, wherein: The first gate has a mass distribution about the axis of rotation of the shaft (576, 578) that rotates the gate relative to the first end support (546) from a retracted position to an extended position in the absence of an external force applied to the first gate.

24. A container conveying system (200), comprising: A container transfer carriage (220), the container transfer carriage comprising: a container support surface (230) capable of receiving and transferring a container (460) along the container support surface (230) of the transfer carriage (220); a manipulator (240) engaging the container (460), the manipulator translating along the length of the container transfer carriage (220), the manipulator being adapted to translate the container along the container support surface (230); a vessel holder latching system (580) coupled to a holder (450), the holder latching system comprising gates (584, 588) and a support surface (570, 574), the holder latching system (580) being configured to removably receive one or more of the vessels (460, 464, etc.) within the holder and on the support surface (570) and between the gates of the vessel holder latching system (580); a latch actuator mechanism (290) that retracts and extends a gate (584) of the vessel holder latch system; and, wherein the container transfer carriage (220) and the latch actuator mechanism (290) cooperate to load the container from the container transfer carriage to a support surface (570) of the container holder latch system, and cooperate to unload the container from the support surface of the container holder latch system to the container transfer carriage.

25. The container transfer system of claim 24, wherein: The latch actuator mechanism (290) is reversibly movable toward and away from the bracket (220).

26. The container transfer system of claim 24, wherein: The latch actuator mechanism is mounted to the container transport carriage.

27. The container transfer system of claim 24, wherein: The movement of the manipulator is independent of the movement of the latch actuator mechanism.

28. The container transfer system of claim 24, wherein: The latch actuator mechanism is mounted to the vessel holder latch system.

29. The container transfer system of claim 24, wherein: The support has a plurality of layers.

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