Container Rack Latch System

Abstract

The container rack latch system can hold and position a container within the rack. The container rack latch system can comprise a container support surface, a first gate at the proximal end of the system, and a second gate spaced from the proximal end of the system. The gates can be configured to operate in a deployed direction to prevent movement of a container located on the container support surface into or out of the rack. The gates can also be configured to operate in a retracted direction so that a container can be transferred from the rack or transferred past the spaced gates deep within the rack. The container rack latch system can also be part of a container transfer system that can include a container transfer cart for transferring a container to or from the support surface of the container rack latch system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 331,919, filed on April 18, 2022, by the same inventor and co-pending. The entire contents of the above provisional application are incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] Vertical aeroponic and / or hydroponic systems include racks or tower structures that support growing containers and lighting necessary for plant growth. These systems have multiple levels and can accommodate a large number of containers on each level, and the rack or tower structures can be closely arranged within the growing facility. By firmly placing large containers within the rack or tower, reliable operation of the aeroponic and / or hydroponic system becomes possible, and the system downtime for releasing jammed or misaligned containers during movement within the rack can be eliminated. There is a continuing need for container rack and tower systems that support movable containers and facilitate safe transfer to and from the rack or tower.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a container rack latch system capable of holding and positioning one or more containers into and within a rack or tower. The container rack latch system can have a container support surface, a first gate, and a second gate spaced from the first gate by a distance longer than the length of the container. The gates can be configured to operate in a deployment direction, thereby preventing a container positioned on the container support surface from being transferred into or out of the rack from a position between the spaced gates. The gates can also be configured to operate in a retracted state so that the container can be removed from the rack or further carried into the rack beyond the gate. The container rack latch system can be used in a container transfer system that can include a container transfer cart having a manipulator capable of loading and unloading a container with respect to the support surface of the container rack latch system.

[0004] In embodiments of the present disclosure, a rack generally refers to a framework in which rails, bars, and other frame members are connected to each other, and containers can be stored and accommodated within the rack. A tower in embodiments of the present disclosure can refer to a tall structure such as a rack having one or more tiers or a stack of racks capable of accommodating containers. Containers housed in the rack or tower can be used for storage, shipping, or cultivation of plants in a vertical farming system. Embodiments of the present disclosure include a container rack latch system and a container tower latch system (hereinafter referred to as the "container rack latch system"), which provide for the transfer of containers into and out of the rack or tower, as well as the positioning, storage, and accommodation of containers within the rack or tower. Containers housed in the rack and tower can be used for storage, shipping, or cultivation of plants in a vertical farming system. An aeroponic cultivation system and a hydroponic cultivation system can be configured as a rack or tower. Throughout the present disclosure, the terms "rack" and "tower" can be used interchangeably.

[0005] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the container rack latch system includes a gate configured to rotate between a retracted position and a deployed position. The gates can be coupled in a pair, and the pair of gates move together between the deployed position and the retracted position. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the pair of gates can be physically or electronically coupled to deploy or retract together. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the pair of gates can be physically coupled by a rotating shaft. Based on such a connection, the gates can rotate simultaneously as a pair, and the gates rotate simultaneously as a pair.

[0006] In some other embodiments of the present disclosure, the container rack latch system includes a first gate and a second gate configured to operate between a retracted position and a deployed position, and further can have a third gate and a fourth gate configured to operate between a retracted position and a deployed position. The third gate and the fourth gate can be coupled to each other by a rotating shaft. The first gate and the second gate can be spaced apart from the third and fourth gates by a first or proximal end support and a second end support spaced apart from the first end support. In the deployed position, the gates prevent movement of the container away from the support surface or movement of the container onto the support surface. In the retracted position, the position of the gates allows the container to move onto or away from the support surface.

[0007] In still other embodiments of the present disclosure, the container rack latch system can be disposed or mounted within a rack. The container support surface disposed within the rack can be inclined such that the distance from the support surface to a horizontal plane near the second end latch support is greater than the distance from the support surface to a horizontal plane near the first end latch support.

[0008] In an embodiment of the container rack latch system of the present disclosure, one or more of the gates can include a force transmission structure on the gate. The force transmission structure can be disposed at a distance from the axis of rotation of the rotating shaft. The latch actuator mechanism can interact with the force transmission structure on the gate and operate to move the gate from the deployed position (above the container support surface or above the upper end of the end support) to the retracted position (below the container support surface or below the upper end of the end support).

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure can include a method of operating a container rack latch system. The method of operating a container rack latch system can include the act or step of applying a first force (e.g., by a manipulator) to a first container on the support surface of the container rack latch system, thereby moving the first container to be disposed between the gates of the rack latch system while the gate is in the deployed position and preventing the container from contacting the gate. The method can further include applying a second force (from the latch actuator mechanism) to the force transmission structure of the proximal gate of the container rack latch system and moving the proximal gate and the opposing gate that are connected and spaced apart from the deployed position to the retracted position.

[0010] The method of operating a container rack latch system in an embodiment of the present disclosure can further include applying a manipulator force to the first container and transporting the first container along the container support surface of the container rack latch system (580) while the gate is in the retracted position.

[0011] The method of operating a container rack latch system in an embodiment of the present disclosure can include positioning a container within the rack. In some embodiments, when a first container is transferred to the rack, a second container is positioned from between gates in a retracted position such that, between the gates, the second container is disposed in a position that does not overlap the gates and the first container. The position of the first container within the rack can be restricted by moving the gates from the retracted position to the deployed position. In other embodiments, the second container within the rack can be positioned in a position between the gates by transferring the first container away from between the gates at the proximal end of the rack. The position of the second container within the rack can be restricted by moving the gates from the retracted position to the deployed position. The first container can be separated from the second container between the deployed gates.

[0012] The method of operating a container rack latch system can include retracting the gates using a latch actuator mechanism that can have a lever arm. The lever arm can interact with a force transmission structure on a first gate operable to reversibly move the first gate and an attached second gate from a deployed position (e.g., above a container support surface or above a first set of container supports (574)) to a retracted position (e.g., at or below the height of the container support surface (570) or at or below the height of the first set of container supports (574)).

[0013] The method of operating a container rack latch system can include an act or step of removing or detaching a first container from a second container. The second container (464) can be positioned by a manipulator in a non-overlapping position between the gates of the rack latch system. Next, the gates are deployed to restrict movement of the second container between the gates, and then a force is applied to the first container by the manipulator to separate the first container from the second container between the deployed gates, thereby separating the first container from the second container.

[0014] In an embodiment of a method of operating a container rack latch system, deploying the gate from the retracted position to the deployed position can include releasing the latch actuator mechanism from the force transmission structure on the proximal gate of the latch system.

[0015] Further embodiments of the present disclosure can include a method of operating a container rack latch system. The method of operating a container rack latch system includes applying a first force to move a first container to fluidly couple the first container with a second container on a support surface of the container rack latch system. The second container can be disposed between a first gate and a second gate. The first force can be applied to the first container until the distal end of the second container contacts a second gate that is spaced from the gate at the proximal end of the container rack latch system. Thereafter, by removing or reversing the first force, the second container can be disposed between the proximal gate and the gate spaced from the proximal end. Thereby, the second container can move freely without contacting the gate. The method includes the next act or step of retracting the gate of the latch system, whereby the second container can move in either direction along the container support surface from between the gates.

[0016] The method of operating a container rack latch system may further include applying a force to the force transmission structure on the proximal gate of the latch system from the latch actuator mechanism to move the proximal gate and the connected opposing gate from the deployed position to the retracted position. The method may further include moving the container along the container support surface.

[0017] Yet another embodiment of the container rack latch system of the present disclosure can include a first gate, a second gate, and a shaft rotatably connecting the first gate to the second gate and spacing the first gate from the second gate. The shaft is fixedly coupled to the gates such that the gates can rotate simultaneously as a pair between a deployed position and a retracted position. The shaft can pass through an opening of a first or proximal end support and through an opening of a second end support spaced from the first end support. The first gate and the second gate can include a force transfer structure connected to the first gate and disposed spaced from the axis of rotation of the shaft. In some embodiments, the force transfer structure can be a rotatable element.

[0018] In an embodiment of the container rack latch system, the first and second gates in the deployed position can project above a container support surface (e.g., a surface defined by a container support surface or a first set of container support portions). The first and second gates can be positioned at or below the height of the container support surface (e.g., a surface defined by respective supports or surfaces) or at or below the height of the surface of the first set of container support portions in the retracted position. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more sets of container supports and support surfaces can be used interchangeably to support a container within the rack latch system and the rack.

[0019] The container rack latch system in an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a third gate, a fourth gate, and a shaft that rotatably connects the third gate to the fourth gate and spaces the third gate from the fourth gate. The shaft is fixedly coupled to the gates and can simultaneously rotate the gates as a pair between a deployed position and a retracted position. The shaft can pass through an opening of a first end support and can pass through an opening of a second end support that is spaced from the first end support. The third gate can include a force transmission structure that is connected to the third gate and is disposed spaced from the rotation axis of the shaft.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more of the gates of the container rack latch system can have a non-uniform mass distribution around the rotation axis of the shaft such that, when no external force for maintaining the gate in the retracted position is applied to the gate, the gate rotates from the retracted position to the deployed position. In an embodiment of the container rack latch system of the present disclosure, the first gate and the third gate can have a mass distribution centered around the rotation axis of the shaft such that, when no external force is applied to the first gate and the third gate, these gates rotate from the retracted position to the deployed position with respect to the first end support.

[0021] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a container transfer system. The container transfer system can include a container transfer cart having a container support surface along which a container can be received and transferred on a container support surface of the transfer cart. The container transfer cart can have one or more manipulators engageable with the container. The one or more manipulators can move or travel along the length of the container transfer cart. The one or more manipulators are adapted to move the container along the container support surface. The container transfer cart can optionally include a latch actuator mechanism capable of retracting and deploying a gate of a container rack latch system connected to the rack. The rack can be configured to removably receive one or more containers from the container transfer cart. The container can be positioned between the gates on a support surface of the container rack latch system. The container transfer cart and the latch actuator mechanism (which can be disposed on the transfer cart or the rack latch system) can cooperate to load the container from the container transfer cart onto the support surface of the rack latch system and cooperate to unload the container from the support surface onto the transfer cart. In some embodiments of the container transfer system, the latch actuator mechanism can move reversibly towards or away from the gate. In some embodiments of the latch actuator mechanism, the transfer cart transfer system can be mounted on the container transfer cart. In other embodiments of the container transfer system, the latch actuator mechanism can be attached to the container rack latch system. In embodiments of the container transfer system, the movement of the manipulator can be performed independently of or synchronously with the movement of the latch actuator mechanism.

[0022] Due to the advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure, positive control of the container is enabled by one or more transfer cart manipulators, a gate in a closed or deployed position, or a combination of a transfer cart manipulator and a gate in a closed or deployed position. The positive control greatly improves the safety of container transfer. In embodiments where the container is used in a cultivation system, the embodiments of the present disclosure also enable safe and repeated fluid coupling and disconnection during loading and unloading of the container from the rack.

[0023] Any combination and / or permutation of the embodiments is envisioned. 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 for illustrative purposes only and not as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] By considering the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, a deeper understanding of the present disclosure and its many attendant advantages can be obtained. In the drawings, reference numerals identify the same or corresponding parts throughout the several views.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Embodiments of the present disclosure include a container rack latch system that can hold and position one or more containers within a rack or tower. The container rack latch system can include a container support surface, a first gate at a proximal end of the system, and a second gate spaced from the proximal end of the system. The gates can be configured to operate in a deployment direction such that a container disposed on the container support surface is prevented from moving into or out of the rack and latch system between the spaced gates. The gates can be configured to operate in a retraction direction such that the container can be allowed to be transferred out of the rack or further moved within the rack beyond the spaced gates. The container rack latch system can be part of a container transfer system that can include a container transfer cart having a manipulator for loading and unloading the container onto the support surface of the container rack latch system.

[0026] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a container rack latch system that can hold and position one or more containers within or in a rack or tower (FIG. 1). The container rack latch system 580 can include a container support surface 570, a first gate 584 at a proximal end 554 of the system 580, and a second gate 588 spaced from the proximal end 554 of the system 580 at a rear portion of the rack latch 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 a deployment direction (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 11, FIGS. 12 and 14) such that the gates 584, 588 are adapted to prevent a container 460 disposed on the container support surface 570 from being transferred away from the position between the gates 584, 588 into or out of the rack. The gates 584, 588 can be configured to operate in a retraction direction (FIG. 2) (see, e.g., FIGS. 2, 10, 13) such that the gates 584, 588 are adapted to allow the container 460 to be removed from the rack or further transferred within the rack beyond the gates 584, 588.

[0027] In embodiments of the present disclosure, a rack generally may refer to a framework in which rails, bars, and other frame members are connected to each other, and may provide an opening for storing and accommodating containers therein. A tower in embodiments of the present disclosure may refer to a tall structure such as a rack having one or more tiers capable of accommodating containers or a stack of racks. Containers housed in the rack and tower can be used for storage, shipping, or cultivation of plants in a vertical farming system. Embodiments of the present disclosure include a container rack latch system and a container tower latch system (hereinafter referred to as the "container rack latch system") for transferring a container to and from an opening of the rack or tower, and positioning, storing, and accommodating the container. Containers housed in the rack and tower can be used for storage, shipping, or cultivation of plants in a vertical farming system. An aeroponic cultivation system and a hydroponic cultivation system can be configured as a rack or a tower. In the present disclosure, the terms rack and tower can be used interchangeably.

[0028] In embodiments of the present disclosure including a rack or tower having a plurality of tiers, each tier of the rack or tower can include a container rack latch system. A container transfer system including a container transfer cart and a latch actuator mechanism can operate cooperatively to load a container from the container transfer cart onto a support surface of the container rack latch system, and can also operate cooperatively to unload the container from the support surface onto the transfer cart.

[0029] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the container rack latch system 580 includes a pair of gates (e.g., gates 584, 588) that are configurable to rotate between a retracted position and a deployed position. The gates (e.g., gates 584, 588, or gates 582, 586, etc.) can be coupled as a pair (e.g., gates 584, 588, or gates 582, 586, etc.), such that the pair of gates move together between the deployed position or the retracted position. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the pair of gates are physically or electronically coupled and can be deployed or retracted together. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the pair of gates can be physically or mechanically coupled by rotatable latch shafts 576, 578. Based on such coupling, gates 582, 586 rotate simultaneously as a pair, and gates 584, 588 rotate simultaneously as a pair.

[0030] In some other embodiments of the present disclosure, the container rack latch system 580 can include a pair of gates including a first gate and a second gate 584, 588 configured to operate between a retracted position and a deployed position. The first and second gates 584, 588 can be mechanically coupled by a rotatable shaft 576. In some embodiments, the rack latch system 580 can further have an additional pair of gates including a third gate and a fourth gate 582, 586 configured to operate between a retracted position and a deployed position. The third and fourth gates 582, 586 can be mechanically coupled by a rotating shaft 578. The first and second gates 584, 588 can be spaced apart from the third and fourth gates 582, 586 by a first end support 546 and a second end support 548 spaced from the first end support 546. In the deployed position, the gates prevent movement of the container 460 away from the support surface 570 or movement of the container 460 onto the support surface 570. In the retracted position, the position of the gates enables the container 460 to move onto or away from the support surface 570.

[0031] In still other embodiments of the present disclosure, the container rack latch system 580 can be disposed or mounted within the rack 450 (see, e.g., FIG. 1). The container rack latch system 580 can include a support portion 510 having a container support surface 570 on which the container 460 is movable. The support portion 510 can be mounted to the rack 450. The container support surface 570 located within the rack 450 can be inclined, i.e., inclined at an inclination angle 260, such that the distance d2 from the support surface 570 to the horizontal plane 470 in the vicinity of the second end support portion 548 is greater than the distance d1 from the support surface 570 to the horizontal plane 470 in the vicinity of the first end latch support portion 546 (see, e.g., FIG. 8).

[0032] In an embodiment of the container rack latch system 580 of the present disclosure, one or more proximal gates 582, 584 can include a force transmission structure 544. The force transmission structure 544 can be spaced from the axis of rotation 575 of the rotary shaft 576 capable of connecting a gate pair (e.g., gates 584, 586). The latch actuator mechanism 290 can interact with the force transmission structure 544 on the proximal gate 584 to move the gates 584, 588 from a deployed position where a portion of the gates 584, 588 is disposed above the container support surface 570 or the first set of container support portions 574 to a retracted position (below the surface 570) (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2). The latch actuator mechanism 290 can interact with the force transmission structure 544 on the gate 582 to move the gates 582, 586 from a deployed position where a portion of the gates 582, 586 is disposed above the container support surface 570 or the container support portion set 574 to a retracted position where the gates are below the container support surface 570 or the container support portion set 574 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0033] Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method of operating a container rack latch system 580. The method includes applying a first force (e.g., by manipulator 240) to a first container 460 on a support surface 570 of the container rack latch system 580 with the gate in a deployed position such that the container is not in contact with the gate (FIG. 12), and moving the first container 460 to a position between the gates (e.g., gates 584, 588) of the rack latch system 580. The method can further include applying a second force (from the latch actuator mechanism 290) to a force transfer structure 544 on the proximal gate 584 of the container rack latch system 580 to move the proximal gate 584 and the connected opposing gate 588 from the deployed position to the retracted position (see, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 13).

[0034] The method of operating a container rack latch system 580 in an embodiment of the present disclosure can further include applying a manipulator force (e.g., by manipulator 240) to the first container 460 to move the first container 460 along the container support surface 570 of the container rack latch system 580 with the gates 584, 588 in the retracted position (see, e.g., FIGS. 10 and / or 16).

[0035] A method of operating a container rack latch system 580 in an embodiment of the present disclosure may include positioning a container within the rack. In some embodiments, when a first container is transferred into the rack, a second container is positioned outwardly from between gates that are in a retracted position (FIG. 10), such that the second container is not positioned between the gates and is disposed in a non-overlapping position (FIG. 13), while the first container can be disposed between the gates. The position of the first container within the rack can be restricted by moving the gates from the retracted position to the deployed position (e.g., FIG. 15). In other embodiments, by transferring a first container 460 from between the gates at the proximal end of the rack, a second container 464 within the rack can be positioned into the position between the gates. The position of the second container within the rack can be restricted by moving the gates from the retracted position to the deployed position (FIG. 20). By the action of the manipulator 240, the first container can be removed from the second container between the gates in the deployed position (FIG. 20).

[0036] A method of operating the container rack latch system 580 can include retracting the gates using a latch actuator mechanism 290 that can have a lever arm 292. The lever arm 292 can interact with a force transmission structure 544 on a gate 584 that is operable to reversibly move the gates 584, 588 from a deployed position (above the container support surface 570 or above the container support set 574) to a retracted position (below the surface 570 or below the container support set 574) (FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0037] The method of operating the container rack latch system 580 can include the act or process of removing (detaching) the container 460 from the container 464 with the gate in the retracted position at the proximal end of the container rack latch system 580. The container 464 can be positioned by the manipulator in a position that does not overlap with the gate (FIG. 19). The gate is deployable (FIG. 20), restricts the movement of the container 464, and can separate the container 460 from the adjacent container 464 between the deployed gates (FIG. 21) by applying a force (←) to the container 460.

[0038] In an embodiment of the method of operating the container rack latch system 580, deploying the gate from the retracted position to the deployed position can include releasing the latch actuator mechanism from the force transmission structure 544 on the proximal gate 584 of the latch system 580.

[0039] Further embodiments of the present disclosure can include a method of operating a container rack latch system 580 that applies a first force to move a first container 460 and fluidly couples the first container 460 with a second container 464 on a support surface 570 of the container rack latch system 580. The second container 464 can be positioned between a first gate 584 and a second gate 588. A first force can be applied to the container 460 until a distal end of the second container 464 contacts a second gate 588 spaced from the gate 584 at a proximal end 554 of the container rack latch system 580. Thereby, the containers 460, 464 are fluidly coupled. Thereafter, the first force can be removed or reversed, thereby enabling positioning of the second container 464 between the proximal gate 584 and the gate 588 spaced from the proximal end (FIG. 18), and the container 464 can be in a state of not contacting the gates 584, 588 (FIG. 18). This method further includes a subsequent act or step of retracting the gates 584, 588 of the latch system 580 (FIG. 19), whereby the containers 460, 464 can be pushed along the container support surface 570 using a manipulator 240 to move the container 464 further into the rack from between the gates. This method includes a subsequent act or step of retracting the gates 584, 588 of the latch system 580 (FIG. 19), whereby the container 464 can move in either direction from between the gates along the container support surface 570.

[0040] The method of operating the container rack latch system 580 can further include moving the proximal gate 584 and the connected opposing gate 588 from a deployed position to a retracted position by applying a force to a force transmission structure 544 on the proximal gate 584 of the latch system 580 from a latch actuator mechanism. This method may further include the step of moving a container (e.g., containers 460, 464) along the container support surface 570.

[0041] Yet another embodiment of the container rack 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 and the second gate 588 and spaces the first gate 584 from the second gate 588. The shaft 576 is fixedly coupled to the gates 584, 588, enabling the gates 584, 588 to rotate simultaneously as a pair between the deployed position and the retracted position. The shaft 576 can pass through an opening in the first end support 546 and through an opening in a second end support 548 that is spaced from the first end support 546. The first gate 584 and the second gate 588 can include a force transmission structure 544 that is connected to the first gate 584 and is disposed spaced from the axis of rotation 575 of the shaft 576. In some embodiments, the force transmission structure 544 can be a rotatable element.

[0042] In an embodiment of the container rack latch system 580, the first gate 584 and the second gate 588 in the deployed position can project above the support surface 570 or above the container support set 574. The first gate 584 and the second gate 588 in the retracted position can be located at or below the height of the container support surface 570 (e.g., the surface defined by their respective supports or surfaces) or at or below the height of the first container support set 574.

[0043] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the container rack latch system 580 may further include a third gate 582, a fourth gate 586, and a shaft 578 that rotatably connects the third gate 582 and the fourth gate 586 and spaces the third gate 582 from the fourth gate 586. The shaft 578 is fixedly coupled to the gates 582, 586, enabling the gates 582, 586 to rotate simultaneously as a pair between the deployed position and the retracted position. The shaft 578 can pass through an opening in the first end support 546 and through an opening in the second end support 548 that is spaced from the first end support 546. The third gate 582 can include a force transmission structure 544 that is connected to the third gate 582 and can be disposed spaced from the axis of rotation 575 of the shaft 578.

[0044] In an embodiment of the container rack latch system 580, the third gate 582 and the fourth gate 586 in the deployed position can protrude above the container support surface 570 or above the first set of container supports 574. The third gate 582 and the fourth gate 586 in the retracted position can be located at or below the height of the container support surface 570 (e.g., the surface defined by respective supports or surfaces) or at or below the height of the first set of container supports 574.

[0045] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more of the gates of the container rack latch system 580 can have a non-uniform mass distribution about the axis of rotation of the shaft 576 (e.g., axis 575) such that the gate can rotate from the retracted position to the deployed position when no external force is applied to the gate to maintain the gate in the retracted position. In an embodiment of the container rack latch system 580 of the present disclosure, the first gate 584 and the third gate 582 can have a mass distribution centered about the axis of rotation 575 of the shafts 576, 578 that enables these gates 584, 582 to rotate from the retracted position to the deployed position with respect to the first end support 546 or the support surface 570 when no external force is applied to these gates.

[0046] One embodiment of the present disclosure can include a container transfer system 200. The container transfer system 200 can include a container transfer cart 220 having a container support surface 230 along which a container 460 can be received and transferred on a container support surface 230 of the transfer cart 220. The container transfer cart 220 can include one or more manipulators 240 engageable with the container 460. The manipulator 240 can move along the length of the container transfer cart 220 and is adapted to move the container 460 along the container support surface 230 of the transfer cart 220. The container transfer system 200 can have a container rack latch system 580 connected to a rack 450. The rack latch system 580 and the rack 450 can accommodate various containers 460 within each tier and across one or more tiers. The various containers 460 can also be removed from the rack 450 and the rack latch system 580. The rack latch system 580 has gates (e.g., gates 584, 588) and a support portion 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 support portions 574. The container 460 can be positioned between the gates of the container rack latch system 580, and the container 460 can also be arranged along a portion of the rack 450 without gates. The container transfer system 200 can include a latch actuator mechanism 290 that retracts and deploys the gates (e.g., gates 584, 588) of the container rack latch system 580. The container transfer cart 220 and the latch actuator mechanism 290 can operate in cooperation to place the container 460 from the container transfer cart 220 onto the support surface 570 of the container rack latch system 580. The container transfer cart 220 and the latch actuator mechanism 290 can also operate in cooperation to load and unload the container 460 from the support surface 570 to the transfer cart 220.

[0047] In some embodiments of the container transfer system 200, the latch actuator mechanism 290 can be moved towards the gate and away from the transfer cart 220, and the latch actuator mechanism 290 can also be moved in a direction away from the gate and towards the transfer cart 220. The latch actuator mechanism 290 can be mounted on the container transfer cart 220. The latch actuator mechanism 290 can be mounted on the container rack latch system 580. The movement of the transfer cart manipulator 240 can be independent of the movement of the latch actuator mechanism 290.

[0048] FIG. 1 shows a container rack latch system 580 in one embodiment of the present disclosure, which can have a gate 584 in the deployed position at the proximal end 554 of this system 580. The gate 588 in the deployed position can be spaced from the gate 588 at the proximal end 554 of the system 580 by more than the length of the container 460. In the deployed position, the first gate 584 and the second gate 588 can project above the container support surface 570 or above the first set of container support portions 574. The spacing between the gates 584, 588 can be sized to accommodate the container 460 without contacting the container 460 on either of the gates 584, 588 in the deployed position. For example, the gates 584, 588 can be proximate to opposite ends of the container 460 without physically contacting the container (e.g., the container 460 of FIG. 12). The gates 584, 588 can be connected by a rotatable latch shaft 576. As shown in FIG. 1, the container rack latch system 580 can have another pair of gates (e.g., gates 582, 586) connected by a shaft 578 disposed at a proximal end and a position spaced from the proximal end. The container rack latch system 580 can have one or more spacer members or end supports 546, 548. The spacer members or end supports 546, 548 are located on the support gates within the rack, space one or more shafts 576, 578 apart, and allow rotation of the gates and shafts. The spacer members or end supports 546, 548 can be disposed between opposing supports 510. The spacer members or end supports 546, 548 can be connected to the supports 510, the frame members of the rack, or a combination thereof. As shown in FIG. 3, the container rack latch system 580 can have one or more container supports 510, and the container supports 510 can have a container support surface 570. In some embodiments, the container support 510 can have an opening 520 for supporting a lighting lamp 610 in addition to the container support surface 570. The container 460 can move on the container support 510 on either side of the rack latch system 580 and the rack 450, as shown in FIG. 1.As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments of the rack latch system 580, each of the lighting and container support 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 support 510. The container support 510 and optional lighting support can be mounted or fixed to the frame members of the rack or tower 450. The support 510 can be spaced apart by spacer members or end supports 546, 548 and connected to the rack 450. To allow movement of the container 460 within the rack latch system 580, the spacing between the supports 510 can be slightly larger than the width of the container 460. The gate can include a force transfer structure 544 on the gate 584 spaced from the axis of rotation 575 of the rotating shaft 576. The latch actuator mechanism 290, which can optionally have a lever arm 292 or other engagement mechanism, can interact with the force transfer structure 544 on the gate 584 and move the gates 584, 588 from a deployed 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) (FIGS. 1 and 2). In some embodiments, the gate has a mass distribution such that when no external force is applied to the force transfer structure 544 by the latch actuator mechanism 290, the gate 584 rotates from a retracted position to a deployed position (see FIG. 2) relative to the first end support 546 about the axis of rotation of the shaft, e.g., the axis of rotation 575 of the shaft 576 connected to the gate 584.

[0049] FIG. 2 shows the container rack latch system 580 of FIG. 1 in one embodiment of the present disclosure, with gates 582, 584, 586, 588 in the retracted position. In the retracted position, gates 582, 584, 586, 588 can be positioned at or below the height of the container support surface 570 or at or below the height of the upper surface of the first set of container support portions 574. FIG. 2 shows the action of the lever arm 292 of the latch actuator mechanism 290 on the force transmission structure 544 on the gate at the proximal end 554, as a result of which one or more connected gate pairs (gates 582 and 586, gates 584 and 588) are positioned in the retracted position. With one or more connected gates (gates 582 and 586, gates 584 and 588) in the retracted position, the container 460 can move or travel along the container support surface 570 without being obstructed.

[0050] FIG. 3 shows a front view of the container rack latch system 580 with the container 460 in contact with the first set of container support portions 574 and the second set of container support portions 572. Gates 582, 584 are in the deployed position and restrict the movement of the container 460 away from the position between gates 582, 586 (not shown) and gates 584, 588 (not shown). The container rack latch system 580 can include one or more container supports 510, and the container supports 510 can include a container support surface 570 or a support 574. In some embodiments, the container support 510 can have an opening 520 for supporting a lighting lamp 610 in addition to the container support surface 570 or 574.

[0051] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the present disclosure having an electromagnetic or pneumatic latch actuator mechanism 290 connected to the container rack latch system at the proximal end 554 of the container rack latch system 580. The latch actuator mechanism can optionally include a lever arm 292 or other engagement mechanism that can interact with a force transfer structure 544 on the gate 584. The latch actuator mechanism 290 can be operative to move the gate 584 between a deployed position (above the container support surface 570 or above the first set of container support portions 574) and a retracted position (not shown, but at or below the height of the surface 570 or at or below the height of the first set of container support portions 574). The gate 584 in the illustrated deployed position can restrict movement of the container 460 across the gate 584 along the container support surface 570. The gate 584 in the retracted position (not shown) can enable movement of the container 460 across the gate 584 along the container support surface 570. The gate 584 can be connected by a rotating shaft 576 having a rotation axis 575, and the rotating shaft 576 can be connected to other gates such as gate 586 (not shown). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, two or more electromagnetic and / or pneumatic latch actuator mechanisms 290 disposed at the proximal end of the rack latch 580 can be used to act on corresponding gates (such as gates 582 and 584) to eliminate the rotating shaft(s) 576, and the two or more latch actuator mechanisms can be spaced from the proximal end of the rack latch 580 to act on corresponding gates (such as gates 586, 588). The electromagnetic and / or pneumatic latch actuator mechanisms at the front and rear of the rack latch can be electronically or pneumatically coupled to deploy and retract together.

[0052] Figure 5 shows in more detail the appearance of the proximal gate 582 in a deployed position having a portion located above the support surface 570 or above the first set of container support portions 574. Also shown is a first end support portion 546 with an opening for the shaft 578 in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 6 shows the appearance of gates 584, 588 that are connected by a rotating shaft 576 having a rotation axis 575 in an embodiment of the present disclosure and are retracted and spaced apart. Optionally, a stopper 568, which can be an element (feature) of a plate (not shown) or the first end support 546, can be disposed in the container rack latch system 580 to limit the rotation of the gates 584, 588. In FIG. 6, a portion of gate 584 is shown in contact with plate 568.

[0054] FIG. 7 shows the appearance of gates 584, 588 that are connected by a rotating shaft 576 having a rotation axis 575 in an embodiment of the present disclosure and are deployed and spaced apart. Gate 584 in the deployed position does not contact plate 568.

[0055] FIG. 8 shows a side view of a rack or tower 450 and a container 464 disposed within the rack or tower 450 on a container support surface 570. The latch actuator mechanism 290 is shown in a position below the carriage 220 and is located on or behind a plane (e.g., plane 226) that includes the front of the carriage 220. The latch actuator mechanism 290 is deployable from below the transfer carriage 220 toward the rack 450 and a rack latch 580 (not shown) to engage and stow gates (e.g., gates 582 and 584 (not shown)). The latch actuator mechanism 290 can be mounted on the transfer carriage 220. FIG. 8 further illustrates an embodiment of a rack 450 and a rack latch 580 having an inclined container support surface 570, where the container support surface 570 has a distance (d2) from a horizontal plane 470 near the second end support 548 (FIG. 1), and the distance (d2) is greater than the distance (d1) from the support surface 570 to the horizontal plane 470 near the first end support 546 (FIG. 1). The containers 460, 446 can include connectable fluid joints 440, 452, 442 so that the containers 460, 446 can be fluidly coupled to each other.

[0056] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the rack or tower 450 of FIG. 8 and the transfer cart 220. The placement of two containers 460, 464 within the rack or tower 450 on the container support surface 570 is shown. Container 460 is near the proximal or front end 554 of the rack 450 and the rack latch system, and container 464 is outside the container rack latch system and is positioned toward the rear or distal end 556 of the rack 450. The latch actuator mechanism 290, which is positioned below the cart 220, is shown in a deployed position that extends beyond the front edge or face 226 of the cart 220. In this position, the latch actuator mechanism 290 engages gates (such as gates 582 and 584 (not shown)), causing the gates to retract and the container 460 to be loaded onto the support surface 570 by the force applied by one or more manipulators 240 of the transfer cart 220. The force applied by the manipulator(s) 240 can also further move the container 464 within the rack 450. The latch actuator mechanism 290 can be disengaged from contact with one or more gates by retracting the latch actuator mechanism 290 to a position in or behind the plane that includes the front face (such as face 226) of the cart 220, as shown in FIG. 8. When the latch actuator mechanism is retracted, the retracted gates (such as gates 582 and 584 (not shown)) can rotate back to the deployed position, thereby preventing movement of the container 460.

[0057] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the latch actuator mechanism 290 is separate from the gate or the rack latch system 580, such as when it is attached to the transfer cart 220, the latch actuator mechanism 290 can reciprocate back and forth across the front face 226 of the transfer cart 220 using a motor, a piston, or a suitable gear that engages the force transmission structure of the gate.

[0058] Figures 8 and 9 further illustrate the appearance of the container transfer system 200 in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The container transfer system 200 can include a container transfer cart 220, and the container transfer cart 220 has a container support surface 230 along which the container 460 can be received and transferred on the container support surface 230 of the transfer cart 220. The container transfer cart 220 can have one or more manipulators 240 engageable with the surface of the container 460. The manipulator 240 can move along the length of the container transfer cart 220. The manipulator 240 that engages the surface of the container 460 is adapted to move the container 460 along the support surface 230. The container transfer system 200 can further include a latch actuator mechanism 290 that retracts and deploys the gate of the container rack latch system 580 connected to the rack or tower 450. The rack 450 can be configured to removably receive one or more of the containers (e.g., containers 460, 464, etc.) on the support surface 570 of the container rack latch system 580 between the deployable and retractable gates. The container transfer cart 220 and the latch actuator mechanism 290 of the container transfer system 200 can operate in cooperation to load the container 460 from the container transfer cart 220 onto the support surface 570 and operate in cooperation to unload the container 460 from the support surface 570 onto the container transfer cart 220. The container transfer system 200 can have a latch actuator mechanism 290 that moves reversibly toward and away from the transfer cart 220, as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. For example, the movement of the container transfer cart manipulator 240 retracted in Figure 8 or deployed in Figure 9 can be performed independently of the movement of the latch actuator mechanism 290. In some embodiments of the container transfer system 200 shown in Figure 4, the latch actuator mechanism 290 can be mounted on the container rack latch system 580. In an embodiment of the container transfer system 200, the container support portion 510 can have a container support surface 570 or a container support portion 574.In some embodiments, the container support 510 can include an opening 520 for supporting the lighting lamp 610.

[0059] Figures 10 through 21 schematically illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure showing non-limiting gate positions in a rack latch system after engagement with one or more latch actuator mechanisms (not shown) capable of deploying and retracting the gates of the container rack latch system 580. Figures 10 through 21 schematically show the positions of one or more containers in a container rack latch system within a rack, and the coupling and decoupling of the containers. One or more manipulators 240 can be part of the transfer cart 220, engage the surface of one or more containers 460 within the container rack system, and apply a force to the container 460 to transfer or move the container 460 into, out of, and along the container support 570 within the rack 450 (see also, for example, Figures 8 and 9). Containers (e.g., containers 460, 464, etc.) can have connectable fluid joints 440, 452, 442 that can be used to fluidly couple the containers 460 in combination. Spacer members or end supports 546, 548 are disposed within the rack and the rack latch system, 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) can be sized to accommodate the container 460 without the container contacting any of the gates in the deployed position. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, opposing gates at the proximal end of the rack and those gates (e.g., rack 582, 586) spaced apart from the proximal end of the rack can be rotatably connected to each other. In some figures, e.g., Figure 17, partial containers 466 are omitted for clarity. The direction of the force applied to the container 460 by one or more manipulators 240 is indicated in the figures by arrow symbols (→) or (←).

[0060] The top views shown in FIGS. 10 to 21 also show the appearance of the container transfer system 200 similar to the side views shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in which the container 460 can be loaded, unloaded, and moved along the support surface 570 of the support portion 510 within the rack and / or 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 cart 220 (not shown in detail) and moved along the support surface 570 over the retracted gates (gates 582, 584, and gates 586, 588) and the first and second end support portions 546, 548. The container 460 engaged by the manipulator 240 can be removed from the support surface 570 and placed on the container support surface 230 of the transfer cart 220.

[0061] In the embodiments of the present disclosure shown in FIGS. 10 to 21, the gates (such as gates 584, 588, gates 582, 586, etc.) can be connected in pairs (such as gates 584, 588, gates 582, 586, etc.), whereby the gate pairs can move together and can be deployed or retracted together. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the gate pairs are physically or electronically connected, whereby they can move together between the deployed position and the retracted position. In some other embodiments of the present disclosure, the gate pairs are physically connected by rotatable latch shafts 576, 578. The gate pairs can be actuated to rotate in opposite directions to achieve the desired retracted or deployed positions. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, gates 582, 586 can rotate clockwise, and gates 584, 588 can rotate counterclockwise to be placed in the retracted position and rotate counterclockwise and clockwise respectively to be placed in the deployed position.

[0062] The steps or acts of the various manipulators 240 and latch actuator mechanisms 290 shown in FIGS. 10 through 21 can be combined in any order and, if desired, the steps or acts can be repeated. That is, the steps or acts are to load the container 460 from the carriage 220 onto the rack and support surface 570, transfer or move the container 460 along the support surface 570 within the rack and the rack latch system, remove or unload the container 460 on the support surface 570 from the rack and the rack latch system, or separate the containers 460 from each other. The following sequences depicted in FIGS. 10 through 21 are non-limiting examples of some of these combinations. For example, the container 460 can be loaded onto the support surface 570 of the rack 450 and the rack latch system as depicted in any order including, but not limited to, the aspects illustrated and described in FIGS. 17, 18, 19, 10, and 11. In another example, the container 460 can be unloaded or removed from the rack 450, the rack latch system, and the container support surface 570 as depicted in any order including, but not limited to, the aspects illustrated and described in FIGS. 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, and 21.

[0063] FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of a rack 450 having a support surface 570 and a rack latch system in an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing containers 460, 464 (see also arrow → for the direction of movement) being moved by a manipulator 240 along the container support surface 570 on the opposite side of the rack, from the proximal end of the rack towards the end of the rack remote from the proximal end. The manipulator 240 applies a force to the containers 460, 464 and moves them into the rack latch system within the rack. Gates (gates 582, 584, gates 586, 588) can be operated by one or more latch actuator mechanisms 290 (not shown). The gates in FIG. 10 are shown in an open or retracted position (solid fill) along with the containers passing over the gates. The passage of both containers 460, 464 over the retracted gates is shown. FIG. 10 further shows end supports 546, 548 of a rack latch system 580 that can space the gates of the rack apart.

[0064] FIG. 11 is a schematic top view of a rack 450 having a container support surface 570, showing containers 460, 464 held by a manipulator 240 along the support surface 570. Container 460 is shown positioned between deployed gates 586, 588 spaced apart from deployed proximal gates 582, 584. The distal surface of container 460 is shown in contact with the deployed gates 586, 588. The gates can be configured within the deployed position by disengaging the latch actuator mechanism 290 from engagement with the gates or a force transmission structure on the gates. The gates in the deployed position (hatched fill) limit or prevent further movement of container 460 along support surface 570.

[0065] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a top view of a rack 450 having a support surface 570 in an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a state where the container 460 is positioned between gates (gates 582, 584, gates 586, 588) by a manipulator 240 without the ends of the container 460 contacting the gates in the deployed position (filled with a grille pattern). The container in FIG. 11 can be positioned as shown in FIG. 12 by applying a pulling force (←) to the container 460 in FIG. 11 and moving it toward the front / proximal end 554 of the rack with one or more manipulators 240 (as indicated by the arrow). By applying a pulling force to the container 460, the container 464 can also be pulled forward. The fluid connectors 442, 452 of the containers 460, 464 are shown in FIG. 12 (see also FIG. 9) in a state of being coupled to each other.

[0066] FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a top view of a rack 450 and a rack latch system 580 within the rack 450. The rack latch system 580 has a first end support 546, a second end support 548 spaced from the first end support 546, and a support surface 570 connected to the side of the rack 450. FIG. 13 shows the retracted / open position of the gates as compared to the deployed / closed position depicted in FIG. 12. The gates (gates 582, 584, and gates 586, 588) can be retracted by engaging a latch actuator mechanism 290 (not shown) with the gates. The container 460 is shown positioned between pairs of gates by a manipulator(s). The container 460 is shown not in contact with any of the gates. The fluid connectors 442, 452 of the containers 460 and 464 are fluidly coupled with the gates in the retracted position. The container 464 is shown positioned along the support 570 within the rack 450. The container 464 is positioned beyond the second end support.

[0067] FIG. 14 is a schematic view from above a rack 450 having a support surface 570 (shown filled with a grid pattern) showing a container 460 located between gates (gates 582, 584, and gates 586, 588) in the deployed position, i.e., the closed position. The front or proximal surface of the container 460 contacts one or both of the gates 582, 584. A state is shown in which one or more manipulators 240 are disengaged from the container (460). With the manipulator 240 disengaged from the container 460, due to the inclination of the support surface 570, the container 460 within the rack 450 can move by gravity toward the proximal end of the rack 450. As a result, the container 460 moves forward of the rack latch system, contacts the gates 582, 584, and the container 464 can move toward the gates 586, 588 near the back of the container rack latch system. As shown, the container 460 can be fluidly coupled to the container 464 via fluid connectors 442, 452, the container 464 can be fluidly coupled to the container 466 via fluid connectors 440, 456, etc., and so on.

[0068] FIG. 15 is a schematic view from above a rack 450 having a support surface 570 showing the state in which the container 460 is pushed away from contact with the deployed gates 582, 584 (shown in FIG. 14) by applying a force (→) to the container 460 by one or more manipulators 240 engaged with the surface of the container 460. As shown in FIG. 15, after a force is applied by the manipulator 240 engaged with the container 460, the container 460 can be positioned between the deployed gates (gates 582, 584, and gates 586, 588) and not in contact with any of the gates. As shown in FIG. 15, the container 464 is also positioned away from the gates 586, 588 in the deployed position. The containers 460, 464 remain fluidly connected via the fluid connectors 442, 452.

[0069] FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a view from above a rack 450 having a support surface 570, showing a container 460 engaged by a manipulator 240 and a container 464 fluidly connected to the container 460, both moving along the container support surface 570 and past retracted gates (gates 582, 584, and gates 586, 588). The container 460 is moved toward the proximal end of the rack 450 on the support surface 570 by a force (←) applied by the manipulator 240. This movement can occur, for example, after the gates have retracted from the deployed position in which the container 460 is disposed, as shown in FIG. 15. The manipulator 240 can move the container 460 away from the rack 450 and the rack latch system 580 and onto a transfer cart 220 and a container support surface 230 (not shown).

[0070] FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a view from above a rack 450 and a rack latch system having a support surface 570, gates, and first and second end supports 546, 548, showing a container 460 locked by a manipulator 240. The container 460 of FIG. 17 is shown being loaded onto the container support surface 570 within the rack 450 from a transfer cart 220 (not shown, see FIG. 8). One or more manipulators 240 move the container 460 onto the rack 450 by applying a force (→) to the container 460. As shown, gates 586, 588 are in the deployed position and can function as a backstop to facilitate engagement of a fluid fitting 442 on the container 460 and a fluid fitting 452 on the container 464 to form a coupled inlet and outlet fitting between the containers 460, 464. As shown, when gates 586, 588 are in the deployed position and function as stoppers, the distal end of the container 464 contacts the deployed gates 586, 588 to facilitate this coupling. When gates 586, 588 are in the deployed position, the manipulator 240 can push the container 460 having the fluid fitting 442 into the container 464 having the fluid fitting 452. Thereby, the two containers 460, 464 can be fluidly coupled.

[0071] A top view of the container transfer system 200 of FIG. 17 is similar to the side view of the container transfer system depicted in FIG. 8. The container transfer system 200 can include a rack 450, a rack latch system 580 having one or more container support surfaces 570 provided on opposite side surfaces inside the rack 450, one or more gates, and first and second end supports 546, 548. The container 460 can be engaged by a manipulator 240 and loaded from a container support surface 230 (not shown below the container) of a transfer cart 220 (not shown) onto the support surface 570. As shown in FIG. 17, the container 460 engaged by the manipulator 240 can move from the transfer cart 220 and the container support surface 230 to the rack 450 after one or more of the gates (gates 584, 588 and / or gates 582, 586) are opened (see FIG. 10).

[0072] FIG. 18 is a schematic top view of a rack 450 having a support surface 570 showing joined / fluidly joined containers (e.g., containers 460 and 464 of FIG. 18) engaged by one or more manipulators 240. One or more manipulators 240 apply a force (←) in a direction away from the rack 450 and toward the transfer cart transport surface 230. This force causes the joined containers 460, 464 to move away from contact with the deployed gates 586, 588 and the container 464 to move to a position where there is no contact with the gates 584, 588 between the gates 584, 588.

[0073] FIG. 19 is a schematic top view of a rack 450 having a support surface 570 showing a container 460 engaged by one or more manipulators 240. Container 464 is shown positioned between gates (gates 582, 584, and gates 586, 588). The gates are shown in a retracted position where a latch actuator has engaged and retracted the gates. Containers 460 and 464 are fluidly coupled via fluid couplings 442, 452. Manipulator 240, as shown in FIG. 10, can apply a force to the coupled containers 460, 464 to move container 460 into the rack 450.

[0074] FIG. 20 is a schematic top view of a rack 450 having a support surface(s) 570 with the gates (gates 584, 588, and gates 582, 586) in a deployed position. FIG. 20 shows a state where a container 460 engaged by a manipulator 240 is being pulled towards a container transfer cart 220 for removal from the rack 450 (compared to FIG. 19), and container 464 is re-engaged between the gates. A state where container 460 is fluidly coupled to container 464 is shown, and the two containers 460, 464 are moved by a force applied by the manipulator(s) 240 until container 464 contacts the deployed front or proximal gates 582, 584.

[0075] FIG. 21 is a schematic view of a top view of the container transfer system 200. The container transfer system 200 can include a rack 450 having one or more support surfaces 570, a first end support 546, and a second end support 548, as well as a gate pair (gates 584, 588, and gates 582, 586). FIG. 21 shows a state in which a container 460 engaged by a manipulator (plural) 240 of a container transfer cart (220) is removed from the rack 450 and placed on the container support surface 230 of the transfer cart 220. The containers 460 and 464 can be separated from each other by the fact that the gates 582, 584 are in the deployed position, the container 460 is on the transfer cart 220, and the container 464 is positioned between the gate pair within the container rack latch system 580. The container 460 and the fluid fitting 442 are disengaged from or fluidly separated from the container 464 and the fluid fitting 452 by the force applied to the container 460 from the manipulator 240 (see arrow (←)) and the further movement limitation of the container 464 in contact with the deployed gates 582, 584. The fluid fittings 442, 452 of the containers 460, 464 can be disconnected as shown respectively.

[0076] Plant production by aeroponic farming generally involves spraying a liquid nutrient solution onto the roots of growing plants that protrude from a growth medium. In hydroponic cultivation for plant production, growing plants can be placed on a floating platform with an opening, and the roots of the plants can be immersed in an aqueous solution rich in nutrients and containing oxygen. In both the aeroponic method and the hydroponic cultivation method, light is supplied from a suitable light source above the plants to promote photosynthesis and plant growth.

[0077] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the container can be a growing container containing one or more growing plants, germinating seeds, and / or germinated seeds. The rack 450 can be part of an aeroponic or hydroponic system. Embodiments of the present disclosure can include a method of accurately positioning a container within a rack system, within an aeroponic and / or hydroponic system, within a rack, and within a tower using a container transfer system.

[0078] Embodiments of the method of operating the container transfer system 200 can include the act or step of transferring the container 460 between the support surface 230 of the container transfer cart 220 and the support surface 570 of the container rack latch system 580. The container rack latch system can be disposed within the rack 450, and the container transfer cart can have one or more manipulators 240. The method can include the act or step of sequentially or simultaneously operating one or more manipulators 240 of the container transfer cart 220 and the container rack latch system 580 to load the container 460 from the container transfer cart 220 onto the support surface 570.

[0079] Embodiments of the method of operating the container transfer system 200 can include a container transfer cart 220 that can further have a latch actuator mechanism 290. The latch actuator mechanism 290 can be connected to the container transfer cart under the transfer cart support surface 230. The latch actuator mechanism 290 can include one or more levers or latches 292 adapted to reversibly engage and disengage with one or more spaced gate pairs 584, 588 of the container rack latch system 580. By operating the one or more levers, the gates 584, 588 can be retracted.

[0080] In an embodiment of a method of operating a container transfer system, one or more gates 584, 588 can be positioned in a deployed direction that protrudes above a plane defined by container support walls or surfaces 570, 574 (of the light source and container support 510), or in a retracted direction that extends below the plane defined by the support surfaces 570, 574. In the deployed direction, one or more gates 584, 588 can restrict the movement of the container from the container transfer cart 220 to the support surfaces 570, 574 in the rack 450. In the retracted direction, one or more gates 584, 588 enable the transfer of the container from the container transfer cart 220 to the support surface 570 in the rack 450.

[0081] Embodiments of the present disclosure can include methods of loading and unloading containers from the container transfer system 200. The method can include moving a container 460 engaged by one or more manipulators 240 of the container transfer cart 220 onto or away from the container support surface 570 of the container rack latch system 580. In this method, the container can move from a first position between a pair of gates in a deployed position where it is in contact with at least one gate 584 at the proximal end 554 of the rack, to a second position where the container 460 is not in contact with the gate 584 and is also not in contact with the gate 588 in the deployed position. The method may further include the act or step of retracting the gates 584, 588 at or below the height of the container support surface 570 and moving the container 460 along the support surface 570 to a third position.

[0082] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "fluid" can refer to either a gas or a liquid. Liquids can include aqueous-based solutions, organic solvents, etc. In some embodiments, the liquid can be a nutrient solution, water, or a disinfecting solution for removing biofilms from hydroponic and aeroponic cultivation systems. In other embodiments, the fluid can be a gas. The gas can be used for cleaning, purging, and drying conduits and equipment surfaces.

[0083] The following terms define aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0084] Item 1. A container rack latch system (580) comprising a first gate (584) at the proximal end (554) of a rack (450) and a second gate (588) spaced from the proximal end of the rack, the gates (584, 588) being configured to operate in an unfolding direction (Figure 1), the gates being adapted to prevent transfer of a container (460) disposed on a container support surface (570 and / or 574) in a direction away from between the gates, the gates being further configured to operate in a retracting direction (Figure 2), the gates being adapted to allow the container to move away from a container rack latch system (580) along the container support surface (570) or further into the rack (450) and be transferred over the gates.

[0085] Item 2. The container rack latch system (580) of Item 1, wherein the gates (584, 588) are configured to rotate between the retracted position and the deployed position, and the gates are connected to each other by a shaft (576).

[0086] Item 3. The container rack latch system (580) according to either Item 1 or Item 2, further comprising a third gate and a fourth gate (582, 586) configured to operate between the retracted position and the deployed position, the third gate and the fourth gate being connected by a shaft (578), the first gate and the second gate (584, 588) being spaced from the third gate and the fourth gate (582, 586) by a first end support (546) and a second end support (548) spaced from the first end support (546) within the rack latch system (580).

[0087] Item 4. The container support surfaces (570 and / or 574) are inclined within the rack, and the container support surfaces have a distance (d2) from a horizontal plane (470) near the second end latch support (548), and the distance (d2) is greater than the distance (d1) from the support surface (570) to the horizontal plane (470) near the first end support (546, FIG. 8). The container rack latch system (580) according to any one of Items 1 to 3.

[0088] Item 5. The container rack latch system (580) according to any one of Items 1 to 4 further includes a force transmission structure (544) on the gate (584), and the force transmission structure is arranged at a distance from the rotation axis (575) of the shaft (576) connecting the gates.

[0089] Item 6. Applying a first force (manipulator 240) to a first container (460) on the support surface (570 and / or 574) of the container rack latch system (580), and in the container rack latch system, moving the first container to a position between the gates (584, 588) in the deployed position and a position where the container does not contact the gates (for example, FIGS. 12 and 15), and applying a second force (from the latch actuator mechanism (290)) to the force transmission structure (544) on the proximal gate (584) of the container rack latch system (580), and moving the proximal gate (584) and the connected opposing gate (588) from the deployed position to the retracted position (FIGS. 2, 13). A method of operating the container rack latch system (580).

[0090] Item 7. Applying a third force to the first container (460), and further including transporting the first container along the container support surfaces (570 and / or 574) of the container rack latch system (580) with the gates (584, 588) in the retracted position (for example, FIGS. 10 or 16). A method of operating the container rack latch system (580) according to Item 6.

[0091] Claim 8. By the transfer of the first container, a second container (464) is positioned outside between the gates in the retracted position (FIG. 10), the second container (464) is arranged at a position not overlapping the gates (FIG. 13), and by removing the second force, the gates move from the retracted position to the deployed position (e.g., FIG. 15), an operating method of the container rack latch system (580) according to Claim 7.

[0092] Claim 9. Further comprising removing the third force from the one or more containers while the gate is in the deployed position (e.g., FIG. 14) and the container is in contact with the gate, an operating method of the container rack latch system (580) according to any one of Claims 7 and 8.

[0093] Claim 10. The transfer comprises removing the first container (460) from the proximal end of the container rack latch system (580, e.g., FIG. 16), an operating method of the container rack latch system (580) according to Claim 7.

[0094] Claim 11. The latch actuator mechanism (290) has a lever arm (292) that reversibly moves the gates (584, 588) from the deployed position (above the container support surfaces (570 and / or 574)) to the retracted position (at or below the height of the container support surfaces 570 and / or 574) (FIGS. 1 and 2) by interacting with a force transmission structure (544) on the gates (584, 588), an operating method of the container rack latch system (580) according to any one of Claims 6 to 10.

[0095] Item 12. The method of operating the container rack latch system (580) according to Item 10, further comprising: arranging the second container at a position where it does not overlap between the gates (Fig. 19); deploying the gates (Fig. 20); and moving the first container toward the container transfer cart (220) with the manipulator(s) 240 to separate the first container (460) from the second container (464) positioned between the deployed gates (Fig. 21).

[0096] Item 13. The method of operating the container rack latch system (580) according to Item 12, wherein deploying the gate from the retracted position to the deployed position includes releasing the latch actuator mechanism (290) from the force transmission structure (544) on the proximal gate (584) of the latch system (580).

[0097] Item 14. Applying a first force to a first container (460), fluidly coupling the first container to a second container (464) between a first gate (584) in the deployed position and a second gate (588) in the deployed position on the support surfaces (570 and / or 574) of the rack latch system (580) until the distal end of the second container (464) contacts the gate (588) at a distance from the proximal end (Fig. 17); removing the applied first force; positioning the second container (464) between the first gate (584) and the second gate (588) at a distance from the proximal end so as not to contact the gates (584, 588) (Fig. 18); and retracting the gates (584, 588) of the container rack latch system (580) (Fig. 19). The method of operating the container rack latch system (580) comprises the above steps.

[0098] Item 15. The method of operating a container rack latch system (580) according to item 14, wherein removal of the applied first force includes applying a second force in a direction opposite to the applied first force to the container (460) (FIG. 18).

[0099] Item 16. The method of operating a container rack latch system (580) according to any one of items 14 to 15, further comprising moving the first gate (584) and the second gate (588) from the deployed position to the retracted position (FIGS. 1 to 2) by applying a force from a latch actuator mechanism (290, not shown) to a force transmission structure (544) on a proximal gate (584) of the latch system (580).

[0100] Item 17. The method of operating a container rack latch system (580) according to any one of items 14 to 16, further comprising moving the second container (464) and the first container (460) along the container support (570).

[0101] Item 18. The method of operating a container rack latch system (580) according to any one of items 14 to 17, wherein the container support surface (570 and / or 574) is inclined, the container support surface has a distance (d2) from a horizontal plane (470) near a second end support (548), and the distance (d2) is greater than a distance (d1) from the support surface (570 and / or 574) to the horizontal plane (470) near a first end support (546, FIG. 8).

[0102] Item 19. A container rack latch system (580) comprising: a first gate (584); a second gate (588); a shaft (576) rotatably connecting the first gate to the second gate and spacing the first gate (584) from the second gate (588), the shaft (576) passing through an opening of a first end support (546) and through an opening of a second end support (548) spaced from the first end support; and a force transmission structure (544) connected to the first gate (584) and disposed at a position away from a rotation axis (575) of the shaft (576).

[0103] Item 20. The container rack latch system (580) of Item 19, wherein the force transmission structure (544) has a rotatable element.

[0104] Item 21. The container rack latch system (580) according to any one of Items 19 and 20, wherein the first gate (584) and the second gate are in a deployed position above the container support surface (570).

[0105] Item 22. The container rack latch system (580) according to any one of Items 19 to 21, further comprising: a third gate (582); a fourth gate (586); a shaft (578) rotatably connecting the third gate to the fourth gate and spacing the third gate (582) from the fourth gate (586), the shaft (578) passing through an opening of a first end support (546) and through an opening of a second end support (548) spaced from the first end support; and a force transmission structure (544) connected to the third gate (582) and disposed at a position away from a rotation axis of the shaft (578).

[0106] Item 23. The container rack latch system (580) according to any one of Items 19 to 22, wherein the first gate and the third gate have a mass distribution around the rotation axis of the shaft (576, 578) such that the gate rotates from a retracted position to a deployed position with respect to the first end support portion (546) when no external force is applied to the first gate and the third gate.

[0107] Item 24. A container transfer cart (220) having a container support surface (230) and a manipulator (240), wherein the container support surface (230) receives a container (460) and is capable of transferring the container (460) along the container support surface (230) of the transfer cart (220), and the manipulator (240) engages with the container (460), the manipulator moves along the length of the container transfer cart (220), and the manipulator is adapted to move the container along the container support surface (230); a container rack latch system (580) connected to a rack (450), the container rack latch system including gates (584, 588) and a support surface (570), the container rack latch system (580) being configured to receive one or more containers (460, 464, etc.) between the gates of the container rack latch system (580) on the support surface (570 and / or 574); and a latch actuator mechanism (290) for retracting and deploying the gate (584) of the container rack latch system, wherein the container transfer cart (220) and the latch actuator mechanism (290) cooperate to load the container from the container transfer cart onto the support surface (570) or the first container support portion set (574) of the container rack latch system, and the container transfer cart (220) and the latch actuator mechanism (290) cooperate to unload the container from the support surface onto the cart, a container transfer system (200).

[0108] Item 25. The container transfer system according to item 24, wherein the latch actuator mechanism (290) moves reversibly toward and away from the carriage (220).

[0109] Item 26. The container transfer system according to any one of items 24 to 25, wherein the latch actuator mechanism is mounted on the container transfer carriage.

[0110] Item 27. The container transfer system according to any one of items 24 to 26, wherein the movement of the manipulator is independent of the movement of the latch actuator mechanism.

[0111] Item 28. The container transfer system according to item 24, wherein the latch actuator mechanism is mounted on the container rack latch system.

[0112] Item 29. The container transfer system according to any one of items 24 to 28, wherein the rack is a tower having a plurality of tiers.

[0113] Although exemplary embodiments are described herein, it is expressly pointed out that these embodiments should not be construed in a limiting sense. Rather, additions and modifications to what is expressly described herein are also included within the scope of the invention. Further, it should be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and may exist in various combinations and permutations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, even if such combinations and permutations are not expressly shown herein.

Claims

**Claim 1** A container rack latch system (580), comprising: a first gate (584) at a proximal end (554) of the system (580); and a second gate (588) spaced from the proximal end of the system; the gates (584, 588) are configured to operate in a deployment direction; the gates are adapted to prevent transfer of a container (464) disposed on a container support surface (570) in a direction away from between the deployed gates; the gates are further configured to operate in a retraction direction; the gates are adapted to allow the container disposed on the container support surface to move away from the rack or further into the rack and be transferred over the gates, a container rack latch system (580). **Claim 2** The gates (584, 588) are configured to rotate between the retraction direction and the deployment direction, and the gates are connected to each other by a shaft (576), the container rack latch system (580) according to claim 1. **Claim 3** Further comprising a third gate and a fourth gate (582, 586) configured to operate between the retraction direction and the deployment direction; the third gate and the fourth gate are connected to each other by a shaft (578); the first gate and the second gate (584, 588) are spaced from the third gate and the fourth gate (582, 586) by a first end support (546) and a second end latch support (548) spaced from the first end support (546), the container rack latch system (580) according to claim 1. **Claim 4** The container support surface (570) is inclined and has a distance (d2) from a horizontal plane (470) near the second end latch support (548), and the distance (d2) is greater than a distance (d1) from the container support surface (570) to the horizontal plane (470) near the first end support (546), the container rack latch system (580) according to claim 1. **Claim 5** The container rack latch system (580) according to claim 1, further comprising a force transmission structure (544) on the gate (584), the force transmission structure being arranged at a distance from the rotation axis (575) of the rotation shaft (576).

6. Applying a first force (manipulator 240) to a first container (460) on the container support surface (570) of the container rack latch system (580) according to claim 1, in the container rack latch system, moving the first container to a position between the gates (584, 588) in the deployed position and where the container does not contact the gates (e.g., FIGS. 12 and 15), and Applying a second force to a force transmission structure (544) on the first gate (584) of the container rack latch system (580) (from a latch actuator mechanism (290)), and moving the first gate (584) and the second gate (588) from the deployed position to the retracted position (FIGS. 2, 13), a method of operating a container rack latch system (580).

7. The method of operating a container rack latch system (580) according to claim 6, further comprising applying a third force to the first container (460) and transporting the first container along the container support surface (570) of the container rack latch system (580) with the gates (584, 588) in the retracted position (e.g., FIGS. 10 or 16).

8. Positioning a second container outside between the gates in the retracted position by the transfer of the first container (FIG. 10), arranging the second container in a position that does not overlap the gates (FIG. 13), and removing the second force to move the gates from the retracted position to the deployed position (e.g., FIG. 15), a method of operating a container rack latch system (580) according to claim 7.

9. The method of operating a container rack latch system (580) according to claim 8, further comprising removing the third force from one or more containers with the gates in the deployed position (e.g., FIG. 14).

10. The transfer comprises removing the container (460) from the proximal end of the container rack latch system (580, e.g., FIG. 16), the method of operating a container rack latch system (580) according to claim 7.

11. The latch actuator mechanism (290) has a lever arm (292) that moves the gates (584, 588) from the deployed position (above the container support surface (570) or above the first set of container support portions (574)) to the retracted position (at or below the height of the container support surface (570) or at or below the height of the first set of container support portions (574)) by interacting with the force transmission structure (544) on the gates (584, 588) (FIGS. 1 and 2), the method of operating a container rack latch system (580) according to claim 10.

12. The container (460) from the proximal end of the container rack latch system (580, e.g., FIG. 16) positions 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), deploying the first gate (FIG. 20), and in the container rack latch system (580), further comprising separating the container (460) from the container (464) located between the deployed gates (FIG. 21), the method of operating a container rack latch system (580) according to claim 10.

13. Deploying the gate from the retracted position to the deployed position includes releasing the latch actuator mechanism (290) from the force transmission structure (544) on the proximal gate (584) of the latch system (580), the method of operating a container rack latch system (580) according to claim 12.

14. A method of operating a container rack latch system (580), Apply a first force to move the first container (460) and fluidly couple the first container to a second container (464) between a first gate (584) in a deployed position and a second gate (588) in a deployed position on the container support surfaces (570, 574) of the container rack latch system (580), and apply the first force until the distal end of the second container (464) contacts the gate (588) of the container rack latch system (Figure 17). Remove the applied first force, position the second container (464) between the first gate (584) and the second gate (588), and prevent the second container (464) from contacting the gates (584, 588) (Figure 18), and Retract the gates (584, 588) of the container rack latch system (580) (Figure 19). A method of operating a container rack latch system (580) comprising the steps of: **Claim 15** The removal of the applied first force includes applying a second force in a direction opposite to the applied first force to the container (460) (Figure 18). A method of operating a container rack latch system (580) according to claim 14. **Claim 16** Further comprising moving the first gate (584) and the connected second gate (588) from the deployed position to the retracted position by applying a third force from a latch actuator mechanism (290) to a force transmission structure (544) on the proximal gate (584) of the container rack latch system (580) (Figures 1 to 2). A method of operating a container rack latch system (580) according to claim 14. **Claim 17** Further comprising moving the second container (464) and the first container (460) along the container support (570). A method of operating a container rack latch system (580) according to claim 14. **Claim 18** The container support surfaces (570, 574) are inclined, the container support surface has a distance (d2) from a horizontal plane (470) near the second end latch support (548), and the distance (d2) is greater than a distance (d1) from the container support surface (570) to the horizontal plane (470) near the first end support (546, Figure 8). A method of operating a container rack latch system (580) according to claim 14.

19. A first gate (584), a second gate (588), and a rotating shaft (576) that connects the first gate to the second gate and spaces the first gate (584) from the second gate (588), the shaft (576) passing through an opening of a first end support portion (546) and through an opening of a second end support portion (548) that is spaced from the first end support portion, A force transmission structure (544) connected to the first gate (584), the force transmission structure (544) being disposed at a position away from the rotation axis (575) of the rotating shaft (576), the container rack latch system (580) comprising the same.

20. The force transmission structure (544) has a rotatable element, the container rack latch system (580) according to claim 19.

21. The first gate (584) and the second gate are deployable to a position above the upper surface of the first end support portion (546), the second end support portion (548) being spaced from the first end support portion, the container rack latch system (580) according to claim 19.

22. A third gate (582), a fourth gate (586), and a rotating shaft (578) that connects the third gate to the fourth gate and spaces the third gate (582) from the fourth gate (586), the rotating shaft (578) passing through an opening of a first end support portion (546) and through an opening of a second end support portion (548) that is spaced from the first end support portion, The container rack latch system (580) according to claim 19, further comprising a force transmission structure (544) connected to the first gate (582) and disposed at a position away from the rotation axis of the shaft (578).

23. The first gate has a mass distribution around the rotation axis of the shaft (576, 578) such that when no external force is applied to the first gate, the gate rotates from a retracted position to a deployed position with respect to the first end support portion (546), the container rack latch system (580) according to claim 19.

24. A container transfer system (200), A container transfer cart (220) having a container support surface (230) and a manipulator (240), wherein the container support surface (230) receives a container (460) and is capable of transferring the container (460) along the container support surface (230) of the container transfer cart (220), and the manipulator (240) engages with the container (460), the manipulator moves along the length of the container transfer cart (220), and the manipulator is adapted to move the container along the container support surface (230), the container transfer cart (220); A container rack latch system (580) connected to a rack (450), the container rack latch system comprising gates (584, 588) and support surfaces (570, 574), the container rack latch system (580) being configured to removably receive one or more containers (460, 464, etc.) between the gates of the container rack latch system (580) on the support surface (570) within the rack; A latch actuator mechanism (290) for retracting and deploying the gate (584) of the container rack latch system; The container transfer cart (220) and the latch actuator mechanism (290) cooperate to load the container from the container transfer cart onto the support surface (570) of the container rack latch system and cooperate to unload the container from the support surface of the container rack latch system onto the container transfer cart, a container transfer system (200).

25. The container transfer system according to claim 24, wherein the latch actuator mechanism (290) moves reversibly towards and away from the container transfer cart (220).

26. The container transfer system according to claim 24, wherein the latch actuator mechanism is mounted on the container transfer cart.

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

28. The latch actuator mechanism is mounted on the container rack latch system, and the container transfer system according to claim 24. **Claim 29** The rack has a plurality of levels, and the container transfer system according to claim 24.

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