Active agent delivery module, set and system having such module and method involving such module

Abstract

An active agent delivery module (2) comprises a tank unit (24) housing an active agent, wherein the tank unit (24) is equipped with an active agent outlet (244); a driver unit (23) couped to the tank unit (24); and a control unit (22) coupled to the driver unit (23). The control unit (22) is configured to operate the driver unit (23) such that the driver unit (23) induces delivery of the active agent out of the tank unit (24) through the active agent outlet (244). The active agent delivery module (2) further comprises a communication unit (21) coupled to the control unit (22). The communication unit (21) has a receiver member (211) configured to receive processing data and to forward the processing data to the control unit (22). The processing data comprises operation data representing commands to induce the control unit (22) to operate the driver unit (23).

Description

DESCRI PTIONTitleACTIVE AGENT DELIVERY MODULE, SET AND SYSTEM HAVING SUCH MODULE AND METHOD INVOLVING SUCH MODULETechnical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an active agent delivery module according to the preamble of independent claim 1 and, more particularly, to a set having an active agent delivery module as well as a system and a method of delivering an active agent for maintaining and / or improving the storability and / or transportability of plant products.

[0002] Such active agent delivery modules comprising a tank unit housing an active agent, wherein the tank unit is equipped with an active agent outlet, a driver unit couped to the tank unit, and a control unit coupled to the driver unit, wherein the control unit is configured to operate the driver unit such that the driver unit induces delivery of the active agent out of the tank unit through the active agent outlet, can be used for delivering a broad variety of substances including the active agent to plant product for conditioning or treating the plant products.Background Art

[0003] In the production of plant and / or animal products, there are often large time differences between the time of production, for example through harvesting or slaughtering, and the actual consumption of these products. Harvested products such as potatoes, carrots, onions, apples, etc. are often stored in large cold stores for several months. This places high demands on the climatic and / or pharmacological conditions in these cold stores. Often, additional active agents are used, for example, to suppress or at least inhibit fungal diseases or sprouting on the harvested produce.

[0004] Devices available on the market for the delivery of active agents or other conveyable substances that are used to preserve or benefit the harvested produce (e.g.potatoes, carrots, onions, apples etc.) during transportation and, in particular, during storage, are generally centrally installed, are complex to use, require comparably large amounts of the active agents or other conveyable substances to condition the storage / transportation rooms and do not produce completely satisfactory results.

[0005] For example, delivery may be performed by means of cold or hot evaporators, which are installed outside the storage / transportation room. The active agent is nebulized via a tube and fed into the storage / transportation room through an opening. Such conditioning requires a lot of experience or knowledge, is time-consuming and only solves the problem to a limited extent. Furthermore, hot nebulization poses a safety risk, may cause problems to the active agent and requires additional measures to be properly controlled.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a device, method and / or system allowing to deliver an active agent, in particular an active agent effective against or in favor of plants and / or insects, with which an efficient and purpose-oriented delivery of the active agent can be achieved.Disclosure of the Invention

[0007] According to the invention this need is settled by an active agent delivery module as it is defined by the features of independent claim 1 , by a set as it is defined by the features of independent claim 8, by a system as it is defined by the features of independent claim 17 and by a method as it is defined by the features of independent claim 31 . Preferred embodiments are subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] In one aspect, the invention is an active agent delivery module comprising a tank unit, a driver unit, a control unit and a communication unit. The tank unit houses an active agent and is equipped with an active agent outlet. The driver unit is couped to the tank unit and to the control unit. The control unit is configured to operate the driver unit such that the driver unit induces delivery of the active agent out of the tank unit through the active agent outlet. Thereby, the active agent can be delivered at a delivery rate.

[0009] The communication unit is coupled to the control unit. It has a receiver member configured to receive processing data and to forward the processing data to the control unit. The processing data comprises operation data representing commands to induce the control unit to operate the driver unit.

[0010] The term “active agent” or active ingredient as used herein may relate to any substance or composition having a specific effect on plant products. Such effect may be maintaining and / or improving the storability and / or transportability of the plant products. Also, the effect may be ripening or mellowing the plant products. Further, a mixture or combination of plural effects may be desired. For example, the active agent may comprise a pesticide, a fungicide or the like. For example, the active agent may be a pharmacologically active agent for treating harvested products, such as sprout inhibitors for protecting harvested products against sprouting, but also, for example, fungicides against fungal infestation.

[0011] The term “coupled to” as used herein may particularly relate to a functional connection between two components. Such functional connection may specifically implement that one component induces an effect on the other component. Also, such functional connection may include a direct or indirect physical connection. For example, coupling may include a physical interaction between the two components or a communication interaction between the two components, e.g., by data transmission. Thereby, such functional connection may be direct or indirect via other components.

[0012] The plant products may be any plant product which has to be shipped and / or stored for being marketed. For example, the plant products may be fruits such as apples, bananas, peaches or the like, vegetables such as salad, broccoli, pumpkin or the like, or, particularly potatoes.

[0013] The active agent delivery module described herein can also be referred to as active agent delivery device or active agent delivery device. It typically is a physical entity used together with similar or identical other modules such that the single modules are part or components of a system. Since the number of modules may be flexibly adapted and may also vary over time a modular setup can be implemented in such system.

[0014] The tank unit can have a tank or container to house the active agent or an active agent fluid containing the active agent. Thereby, the fluid can be any type of fluidic substance such as a liquid, gas or the like. Aside from the active agent, the fluid may include other components or substances useful for provision and / or conditioning of the active agent.

[0015] The control unit can be any structure suitable for performing tasks required for controlling the driver unit and, eventually, further tasks. It can be or comprise a mechanical construction or, advantageously, an electronic construction, e.g., comprising a dedicated microchip, a printed circuit board (PCB) and / or other electronic circuit components.

[0016] Even though the active agent delivery module typically is a physical unit, it may be composed of plural variably composable parts. For example, the tank unit may be configured to be replaced such that once all active agent or active agent fluid is delivered, the tank unit may be replaced by another filled tank unit.

[0017] The receiver member of the communication unit can include a structure for wired or wireless data transmission. In particular, it can include a Bluetooth adapter, a nearfield communication (NFC) adapter and / or a WLAN adapter of the like. Like this, the processing data can efficiently be received. For forwarding the processing data to the control unit a physical structure such as a wire and / or a circuit path can be implemented.

[0018] The processing data may be or include any information transferrable via a physical connection such as a wire or the like or via a wireless connection. Also, transfer of the information via a combination of wired and wireless techniques is possible. Thereby, the processing data and operation data may be embodied as a bit stream or in any other coded or uncoded manner.

[0019] The processing or operation data may, beyond others, include commands for controlling the control unit such that it properly induces or operates the driver unit. The processing may be formatted in a specific manner or in accordance with a specific protocol to allow an efficient communication.

[0020] In a possible embodiment, the processing or operation data is implemented or comprised by signal sent by a sender. Thereby, the signal can be any suitable signal containing information which may be used as the command for inducing the control unit to operate the driver unit. Such information may include dedicated instructions to specifically control or advise the control unit. Also, such information can be an unspecific parameter which allows the control unit to be interpreted for inducing the control unit to operate the driver unit. Combinations of such information may also be beneficial.

[0021] For example, a gate may send a gate signal such as an NFC gate signal which the receiver member of the communication unit receives when passing the gate. Like this, it can be achieved that the control unit starts operation of the driver unit when the active agent delivery module passes the gate into a predefined space or room and that the control unit stops operation of the driver unit when the active agent delivery module passes the gate out of the predefined space or room.

[0022] In another example, in the room or at a target location on or more beacons sending a presence signal are positioned. The receiver member of the active agent delivery module receives the presence signal as processing or operation data once the active agent delivery module is sufficiently close to the respective beacon. The control unit may start operation of the driver unit when the presence signal from the beacon is received and stop operation of the driver unit when the presence signal is not received.

[0023] In an advantageous example, the operation data is a digital bitstream including or representing control parameters and / or instructions specific for the control unit. Like this, a sophisticated and variable configuration of agent delivery may be achieved.

[0024] By means of the active agent delivery module, a flexible system can be set up to deliver the active agent to the plant products. Due to its modularity, such system may be adapted to circumstances given. In particular, the active agent delivery modules allow to deliver the active agent directly to the plant products, whereas other regions in a predefined space in which the plant products are arranged for storage and / or transportation are not affected.

[0025] Further, the active agent delivery modules may be modularly assembled which can make its use even more efficient and flexible. For example, as exemplified above, once a tank unit is emptied, a new active agent tank unit can be provided in the active agent delivery module, whereby the emptied tank unit can be designed to be recyclable. The active agent delivery module can be used more or less permanently, if necessary interrupted by a short cleaning phase.

[0026] In order to achieve such modular design of the active agent delivery module, connection of the driver unit to the tank unit and / or the connection of the tank unit to a further module (e.g. module with contact surface) may be designed as a plug-inconnection or as a snap-in connection or as a bayonet connection or as a screw connection.

[0027] Furthermore, the active agent delivery modules can also have a structure as an application element for delivering the active agent, whereby the active agent is then delivered by contact on a contact surface and / or by vaporization / diffusion. It is also conceivable to equip the active agent delivery module with an atomizer and / or fan so that the active agent can be finely distributed and / or additionally atomized. To implement such structure, in addition to the tank, driver, control and communication units, the active agent delivery module can be equipped with an applicator or application unit which brings the active agent or active agent fluid in a desired form.

[0028] In principle, the active agent delivery module can be suitable for combating fungi or similar infestations (bacteria, viruses) in warehouses or other rooms. In addition to maintaining the quality of stored products, the system can also be used for storing harvested produce, where it may be desirable to combat fungal infestation in the warehouse (including bacterial and / or viral infestation). A sensor system, which can be integrated into the control unit of the active agent delivery module, may enable early detection of changes in humidity and temperature that could indicate potential problems with regard to fungal infestation and thus enables timely intervention. Additional or supplementary sensors can also be used, for example to measure the concentration of fungal spores, which either transmit their data to the control unit, which then may respond globally to all active agent delivery modules (or only individually). Such sensors can also directly adjust a delivery rate of an associated active agent delivery module. Thus, single or combined active agent delivery modules may temporarily be operated autonomously. In particular, the active agent delivery module may be embodied to receive command for operation on the one hand and to use determined parameters or data to adapt or induce operation. Like this, it is possible that a generally controlled system is realized which, at least temporarily, may operate autonomously and may react on changing parameters individually.

[0029] The term “delivery rate” as used herein relates to active agent delivery into a space or environment. In particular, it relates to delivery of the active agent by the active agent delivery module or a plurality of such modules into a storage and / or transport volume around the active agent delivery module or transport containers housing the plant product. The storage and / or transport volume may be a portion of a predefined space.

[0030] In embodiments of active agent delivery modules having a driver unit with a gas generation cell as described below, the delivery rate may correlate to a gassing rate of the gas generation cell. Thus, in such embodiments the delivery rate may efficiently by controlled by controlling or adapting the gassing rate of the driver unit.

[0031] The term “predefined space” as used herein may relate to any space suitable to receive the plant products either alone or, as it typically is the case, in another usually open containment. It particularly may refer to a room such as storage room, a transportation room, e.g., inside a ship, train or airplane, a freight container or a cargo container for shipping.

[0032] Since predefined spaces typically are comparably large and the plant products usually are mainly affected by a volume around themselves such as the storage and / or transport volume, the active agent delivery module allows for directly affecting such volume by being arranged at or close to the plant products. Other volumes or regions of the predefined space which are not affecting the plant products may be disregarded. This allows for an efficient treatment, processing and / or handling of the plant products.

[0033] For example, often plant products are handled in usually open transport containers such as baskets, pots, pallet boxes, racks or the like. These transport containers are arranged or positioned in the predefined space for transportation, storage or the like. Thereby, the transport containers define a storage and / or transport volume around the transport containers which sets the environment to which the plant products are exposed. The active agent delivery module according to the invention allow to directly adapt or affect such storage and / or transport volume without requiring the complete predefined space being involved. In particular, active agent delivery modules may be attached to the transport containers such that they can efficiently affect the respective storage and / or transport volume.

[0034] The driver unit can be embodied in a variety of different structures. It may for example comprise a motor for advancing a plunger reducing a volume of an interior of the tank unit in which the active agent is arranged. Also, other motor-driven constructions are possible. Or, it may have means to adapt a pressure in the interior of the tank unit in which the active agent is arranged. For example, such means may comprise a pump or the like.

[0035] Preferably, the driver unit comprises a gas generating cell coupled to the tank unit such that a gas produced by the gas generating cell induces the delivery of the active agent out of the tank unit through the active agent outlet. The gas generating cell may also be referred to as gas producing cell or gas producing dry cell. It may, for example, be embodied as described in DE 3532 335 A1 or in EP 1 396899 A2. Such gas producing cells allow for a controlled and precise activation of the driver unit such that an accurate active agent delivery can be achieved.

[0036] Due to gas generating cell’s comparably small size, comparably simple design, self-sufficient operation and ability to accurately control the release of active agents using a simple electronic circuit, it is possible to release the active agent in a spatially distributed manner according to definable criteria. Also, it may allow to consume significantly less active agent and resources compared to other existing driver units. As exemplified below, the gas generating cell technology can also be expanded with additional electronic elements, such as sensors and / or control programs, to make the system even more efficient and intelligent or to provide additional control and programming functionality. In addition, when using gas generating cells, only batteries need to be replaced from time to time.

[0037] By using the conveying principle of displacement by means of gas to deliver the active agent, e.g. in a fluid form, such as essential oils, from the tank unit to the outlet and, if necessary, to an application element, such as an evaporation element, the active agent can be efficiently and accurately delivered in the immediate vicinity of the stored plant products. By delivering the active agent by means of the electrochemical gas generating cell, the active agent can be delivered comparably sparingly and in a dosage that is optimally adapted to the behavior of the plant product (fruit, vegetables, etc.) as well as to possible fungal infestation and / or pest infestation. The principle can, for example, be based on evaporation of the active agent via the surface of the evaporation element, but semi-active (e.g. combination with a fan) or active (e.g. heated surface, nebulization via ultrasound, etc.) evaporation is alternatively also possible.

[0038] Control of the delivered quantity of the active agent and its delivery time can be set via the control unit, possibly equipped with a time control, a current control to achieve an adjustable gassing rate, delivery rate and sensors (temperature, brightness, humidity, etc.). In a particularly simple way, current provision to the gas generating cell can be controlled and thus the gassing or delivery rate can be realized, e.g., via a photo resistor.It is also conceivable to embody the communication element, e.g. to start the active agent delivery externally or centrally or to network several of these active agent delivery modules. As described below, the delivery can also be activated, deactivated or adapted by communicating with a door and / or another designated point. The dispensing can be started, changed or stopped when the door is opened or when an industrial truck or similar vehicle passes through the storage door.

[0039] Preferably, the driver unit comprises a plunger element coupled to the tank unit such that forwarding the plunger element relative to the tank unit delivers the active agent out of the tank unit through the active agent outlet. Such plunger extending in the tank may work similar as a conventional syringe. In particular, the tank may define a chamber between the plunger and the active agent outlet. The active agent is arranged in this chamber. By forwarding the plunger relative to the tank unit, the volume of the chamber may be reduced such that some active agent is delivered out of the active agent delivery outlet. The plunger element allows for efficiently and accurately delivering the active agent.

[0040] Thereby, the plunger element of the driver unit preferably is coupled to the gas generating cell of the driver unit such that the gas produced by the gas generating cell forwards the plunger element relative to the tank unit. Like this, an accurate and efficient active agent delivery can be achieved.

[0041] The communication unit may be an electronic component embodied to connect the units of the active agent delivery module to external structures. In particular, it can be embodied to allow data transfer to and, eventually, from the active agent delivery module. Advantageously, it is embodied for wireless communication. Therefore, it may implement communication via a standard radio wave transmission, advantageously ultra high frequency radio wave transmission, such as Bluetooth, wireless local network (WLAN), near-field communication (NFC), or similar technologies. For data communication, the communication module may apply a standard protocol.

[0042] Preferably, the communication unit comprises a sender member configured to send module data to a central processing apparatus. Such sender member may include a Bluetooth adapter, an NFC adapter, a WLAN adapter, a combination thereof or the like. Also, a sender member configured for sending data via a wire may be included. In particular, communication unit may have the Bluetooth, NFC, WLAN adapter, acombination thereof or the like, being the sender member and the receiver member in one. By having such sender member, the communication unit may transfer the module data to the central processing apparatus. There, the data can be evaluated and, eventually, adapted actions can be initiated. For example, the module data may comprise information about the extent to which the plunger has been forwarded or how much gas remains in the gas generating cell.

[0043] As described above, the processing or operation data may include presence data provided, e.g., by a beacon or the like positioned in a predefined space or at a gate. In particular, the operation data of the processing data preferably comprises presence data representing presence of the active agent delivery module in the predefined space. Alternatively or additionally, the module data preferably comprises presence data representing presence of the active agent delivery module in the predefined space. Like this, the central processing apparatus may automatically identify that the active agent unit can be used for conditioning the storage and / or transport volume.

[0044] The active agent delivery module may be equipped with one or more sensors. Like this, the control unit of the module can adjust active agent delivery based on parameters determined by the module itself. For example, such sensor may include a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, any combination thereof or the like.

[0045] In another aspect, the invention is a set comprising at least two active agent delivery modules as described above and a central processing apparatus, wherein the central processing apparatus comprises a communication unit with a sender member configured to send processing data to the at least two active agent delivery modules.

[0046] The central processing apparatus may be any suitable electronic computing structure or computer. The term “computer” in this connection can relate to any suitable computing device such as a computing device embedded in another device, a dedicated computing device, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a server computer, a tablet, a smartphone, or the like. The term covers single devices as well as combined devices. A computer can, for example, be a distributed system, such as a network or cloud solution, performing different tasks at different locations. A computer typically involves a processor or central processing unit (CPU), a permanent data storage having a recording media such as a hard disk, a flash memory or the like, a random access memory (RAM), a readonly memory (ROM), a communication adapter such as an universal serial bus (USB) adapter, a local area network (LAN) adapter, a wireless LAN (WLAN) adapter, a Bluetooth adapter or the like, and a user interface such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, a screen, a microphone, a speaker or the like. Computers can be embodied with a broad variety of components as the components listed here. The communication module of the central processing apparatus can particularly be suitable or compatible with the communication modules of the active agent delivery modules.

[0047] By means of the set according to the invention and its preferred embodiments described in the following, the effects and benefits described above in connection with the active agent delivery module according to the invention and its preferred embodiments can efficiently be implemented or achieved. Thus, an efficient and purpose- oriented delivery of the active agent can efficiently be achieved.

[0048] Preferably, the set comprises a door sensor configured to provide a door status signal. The door sensor may particularly be useful when the predefined space is a closed room. The term “door” in as used herein may relate to doors in the literal sense as well as any closable opening. Such closable opening may be used to open the predefined space in order place the plant products in the predefined space and to take the plant products out of the predefined space. Since opening and closing the door may affect the conditions in the predefined space and, specifically, the storage and / or transport volume. Thus, sensing for a change of the door status may be beneficial for conditioning the storage and / or transport volume.

[0049] Preferably, the set comprises a concentration sensor configured to provide a concentration signal. The concentration sensor can particularly be configured to sense for concentration of the active agent. By means of such concentration sensor, the concentration of the active agent or other substances may efficiently be determined and evaluated. Determining the concentration at the location where the active agent is to be delivered to, i.e. , the storage and / or transport volume, makes it possible to provide an adapted and accurate delivery of the active agent in order to achieve the desired effects.

[0050] Also the set may comprise a gate sender configured to provide a gate signal. In particular, such gate signal may be received by the active agent delivery modules when passing a gate equipped with the gate sender. Like this, the active agent delivery modulemay be activated when entering the predefined space through the gate or deactivated when leaving the predefined space through the gate.

[0051] Preferably, the communication unit of the central processing apparatus comprises a receiver member. Such receiver member in the central processing unit allows for a two-way communication between the central processing apparatus and any other component such as the active agent delivery modules or any sensor or the like. The receiver member can be embodied in a similar way as the reiver member of the active agent delivery module as describe above.

[0052] Preferably, the communication unit of the central processing apparatus is configured to receive the door status signal from the door sensor via the receiver member, wherein the central processing apparatus is configured to adapt the processing data in accordance with the received door status signal. Like this, the central processing apparatus can evaluate the status of the door and induce appropriate measures related thereto. For example, the central processing apparatus can induce the active agent delivery modules to deliver the active agent once the door is closed after having been open.

[0053] Preferably, the communication unit of the central processing apparatus is configured to receive the concentration signal from the concentration sensor via the receiver member, wherein the central processing apparatus is configured to adapt the processing data in accordance with the received concentration signal. Such embodiments allow to sophisticatedly adjust the concentration at a target location such as in the storage and / or transport volume. For example, by detecting when the active agent concentration in the storage and / or transport volume falls below a certain threshold value via the concentration sensor, the active agent delivery modules may be induced by the centra processing apparatus to deliver additional active agent in order to achieve the target concentration. Like this, the target concentration may be efficiently maintained.

[0054] Preferably, the communication unit of the central processing apparatus is configured to receive module data from the at least two active agent delivery modules via the receiver member. By having such module data available the central processing apparatus may efficiently and sophisticatedly evaluate the status of the system. Also, maintenance measures can be centrally organized. For example, if one of the activeagent delivery modules empties which is identified by the central processing apparatus, replacement of the respective module may be induced.

[0055] Preferably, the processing data comprises operation data representing commands to induce the control unit of each of the at least two active agent delivery modules to operate the driver unit to induce active agent delivery. By such commands the active agent deliver modules may be efficiently controlled and organized.

[0056] Preferably, the set comprises a presence sensor. As described above, such presence sensor may be or comprise a beacon, a gate sender or the like. By means of such presence sensor, the presence of the active agent delivery module at a target location or in a predefined space may efficiently be detected by the active agent delivery module.

[0057] In a further other aspect, the invention is a system for delivering an active agent for maintaining and / or improving the storability and / or transportability of plant products. Thes system comprises plural transport containers, at least two active agent delivery modules and a central processing apparatus. In the plural transport containers, the plant products are arranged. The transport containers are positioned in a predefined space and they define a storage and / or transport volume around the transport containers. The at least two active agent delivery modules are arranged within the storage and / or transport volume for active agent delivery. Each of the at least two active agent delivery modules comprises a control unit configured to induce delivery of the active agent at a delivery rate. The central processing apparatus is configured to predefine a target concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume and configured to adjust delivery rates of the at least two active agent delivery modules to achieve the predefined target concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume.

[0058] As described above, the storage and / or transport volume particularly is a volume around the transport containers which may have an effect on the products in the transport containers. In particular, the storage and / or transport volume may be an air or gas volume to which the products in the transport containers are exposed during storage and / or transportation of the products. Typically, the storage and / or transport volume is a fraction of the predefined space.

[0059] Predefining the target concentration may include a user or operator inputting a value via a user interface. The target concentration may be adapted to the products and / or the conditions within the predefined space.

[0060] By adjusting the delivery rates of the at least two active agent delivery modules, they are configured to deliver the active agent in accordance with the target concentration of the active agent in the storage and / or transport volume.

[0061] The number of active agent delivery modules provided may may depend on plural factors, such as the target concentration of the active agent, the active agent delivery capacity of the active agent delivery modules, the desired homogeneity of the active agent concentration over the stored quantities of fruit products, etc.

[0062] The system according to the invention and its preferred embodiments described below allow to efficiently achieve the effects and benefits described above in connection with the set according to the invention and the active agent delivery module according to the invention as well as their preferred embodiments. Thus, an efficient and purpose- oriented delivery of the active agent can be implemented.

[0063] In particular, the decentralized delivery of the active agent at plural locations within the storage and / or transport volume enables uniform and constant treatment of the plant products. Downsides of the storage and / or transport volume being repeatedly ventilated and / or opened may be prevented since air within the storage and / or transport volume can be only slightly diluted with fresh air and the active agent may be dispensed decentrally and in the immediate vicinity of the products, so that the concentration of the active agent in the immediate vicinity of the products is only slightly affected. For example, certain transport containers can each be equipped with an active agent delivery module so that an even distribution of the active agent can be achieved with a large number of transport containers arranged. For example, every fourth / sixth / tenth stored and / or transported container can be equipped with one active agent delivery module. Another advantage of the system according to the invention may be the maintenance of the required concentration of the active agent, which is also reflected by a corresponding increase or decrease in active agent delivery modules when the set quantity of the plant products increases or decreases.

[0064] Preferably, each of the at least two active agent delivery modules is an active agent delivery module as described above.

[0065] Preferably, the central processing apparatus is configured to predefine the target concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume by predefining a temporal course of concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume. Such embodiment allows for providing a time component in active agent delivery. Like this, a dynamic treatment or handling of the plant products can be implemented. For example, when the active agent is conserving agent that prevents ripening of the plant products, it is possible to reduce the active agent provision over time in order to allows an adjusted ripening towards the end of storage or transportation.

[0066] Preferably, the at least two active agent delivery modules are arranged within the storage and / or transport volume for active agent delivery in accordance with the target concentration of the active agent by each of the at least two active agent delivery modules being associated to one of the plural transport containers. The active agent delivery module may be associated to the one of the plural transport containers by being connected to the one of the plural transport containers. For example, it can be equipped with a mounting structure configured to mount the active agent delivery module to the transport container. By associating the active agent delivery modules to the transport container allows to efficiently provide the active agent into the storage and / or transport volume.

[0067] Preferably, the active agent delivery is a function of the target concentration of the active agent and / or of the time course of the target concentration of the active agent. Such active agent delivery may include the delivery rate being a function of the target concentration of the active agent and / or of the time course of the target concentration of the active agent.

[0068] Preferably, the system comprises a door arranged to close the predefined space, wherein the door is equipped with a door sensor configured to provide a door status signal and wherein the central processing apparatus is configured to receive the door status signal provided by the door sensor and to adjust the gassing or delivery rates of the at least two active agent delivery modules in accordance with the received door status signal to achieve the predefined target concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume.

[0069] Preferably, the system comprises a concentration sensor configured to provide a concentration signal, wherein the concentration sensor is arranged in the storage and / or transport volume and wherein the central processing apparatus is configured to receive the concentration signal provided by the concentration sensor and to adjust the delivery rates of the at least two active agent delivery modules in accordance with the received concentration signal to achieve the predefined target concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume.

[0070] As described above, such door status and / or concentration sensors may be particularly beneficial.

[0071] Preferably, each of the at least two active agent delivery modules comprises a driver unit and an active agent unit with a container for an active agent fluid containing the active agent, wherein the container of each of the at least two active substance delivery modules has an active agent outlet and wherein the control unit of each of the at least two active substance delivery modules is configured to induce delivery of the active agent at the delivery rate by controlling the delivery rate. In embodiments of the system in which the active agent delivery modules are active agent delivery modules as described above or as in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the driver unit can be the driver unit and the active agent unit can be the tank unit.

[0072] Preferably, each of the at least two active agent delivery modules comprises a gas generating cell configured to generate gas to build up a delivery pressure such that the active agent is delivered at the delivery rate. Such gas generating cells may allow efficient and accurate active agent delivery.

[0073] Preferably, the central processing apparatus is configured to adjust the delivery rates of the at least two active agent delivery modules by setting a desired delivery rate or a desired course of the delivery rate on the control units of the at least two active agent delivery modules for delivering an active agent fluid containing the active agent to achieve the target concentration of the active agent and / or a time course of the target concentration of the active agent. Controlling and setting delivery rates within the active agent delivery modules may be an efficient way to accurately control active agent delivery.

[0074] Preferably, the at least two active agent delivery modules are controlled by the central processing apparatus via wireless communication. Such wireless communication allows a convenient and flexible set up of the system. Specifically, the active agent delivery modules can be controlled via wireless communication. This can be a general communication for transmitting dosing or operating data to all control units of the active agent delivery modules. However, it may also be possible to address individual control units of the active agent delivery modules directly, for example to achieve locally higher or lower dosages of the active agent, preferably also in response to the detection of data relevant to the dosage of the active agent (occurrence of fungal spores and / or decay indicators, detection of germ formation, etc.).

[0075] Preferably, the system comprises a detection unit arranged in the storage and / or transport volume, wherein the detection unit is configured to measure a parameter of the group of: temperature, air pressure, humidity, fungal spore concentration, bacterial concentration, insect infestation, and any combination thereof. By providing such detection unit further parameters essential for the storage and handling of the plant products may be considered in storage and / or transportation. Thereby, the central processing apparatus preferably is configured to receive a detection signal from the detection unit and to adjust the delivery rates of the at least two active agent delivery modules in accordance with the received detection signal to achieve the predefined target concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume. The detection unit may particularly be or comprise one or plural sensor configured to sense any of the parameters.

[0076] By involving at least one detection unit or sensor for measuring the concentration of the active agent and / or for measuring product-specific parameters, such as temperature, air pressure, humidity, fungal spore concentration, bacteria concentration, insect infestation, etc., a high-quality treatment or handling of the plant products is possible. In principle, camera systems and / or light waves / light barriers could also be used, which can, for example, detect direct changes to the stored product, such as rotting, sprouting, germination, etc. The values measured by the detection unit and / or sensor(s) can be used to feed back the dosage of the active agent from the control unit to control one or more of the control modules. However, it may also be possible, additionally or alternatively, for the values measured by the detection unit and / or sensor(s) to be useddirectly to control one or more of the active agent delivery modules associated with a specific detection unit and / or sensor in order to feed back the dosage of the active agent.

[0077] In this way, additional sensors can be used to determine and evaluate data in the storage and / or transport volume globally as well as within a specific environment (e.g. special box / pallet box). This not only serves to control and improve the delivery of active agents, but also creates valuable data for the user and their customers, who can use the data to gain a better overview and insight into the product-relevant parts of the supply chain. In addition, the individual active agent dispensing modules can also be located so that, for example, a 3D image of the active agent dispensers in the storage volume can be generated.

[0078] Preferably, the system comprises a set as described above. Such set allows for an efficient implementation of the system.

[0079] In still a further other aspect, the invention is a method of delivering an active agent for maintaining and / or improving the storability and / or transportability of plant products. The method comprises the steps of: (i) predefining a target concentration of the active agent within a storage and / or transport volume defined around plural transport containers in which the products are arranged, wherein the transport containers are positioned in a predefined space; (ii) arranging at least two active agent delivery modules within the storage and / or transport volume for active agent delivery, wherein each of the at least two active agent delivery modules comprises a control unit configured to induce delivery of the active agent at a delivery rate; and (iii) adjusting delivery rates of the at least two active agent delivery modules to achieve the predefined target concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume.

[0080] Even though the steps of the method according to the invention are listed above in a sequence (i) to (ii) such sequence is not mandatory for the method. In particular, the steps listed above or parts thereof may also be implemented in any other feasible sequence.

[0081] The method according to the invention and its preferred embodiments described below allow to efficiently achieve the effects and benefits described above in connection with the system according to the invention, the set according to the invention and the active agent delivery module according to the invention as well as their preferredembodiments. Thus, an efficient and purpose-oriented delivery of the active agent can be implemented by the method according to the invention.

[0082] Preferably, in the method each of the at least two active agent delivery modules is an active agent delivery module as described above.

[0083] Preferably, predefining the target concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume comprises predefining a temporal course of concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume.

[0084] Preferably, each of the at least two active agent delivery modules is associated to one of the plural transport containers.

[0085] Preferably, the active agent delivery is a function of the target concentration of the active agent and / or of the time course of the target concentration of the active agent.

[0086] Preferably, a door sensor configured to provide a door status signal is coupled to a door arranged to close the predefined space, wherein the delivery rates of the at least two active agent delivery modules are adjusted in accordance with the door status signal to achieve the predefined target concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume.

[0087] Preferably, a concentration sensor configured to provide a concentration signal is arranged in the storage and / or transport volume, wherein the delivery rates of the at least two active agent delivery modules is adjusted in accordance with the concentration signal to achieve the predefined target concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume.

[0088] Preferably, each of the at least two active agent delivery modules comprises a driver unit and an active agent unit with a container for an active agent fluid containing the active agent, wherein the container of each of the at least two active substance delivery modules has an active agent outlet and wherein the control unit of each of the at least two active substance delivery modules is configured to induce delivery of the active agent at the delivery rate by controlling the delivery rate.

[0089] Preferably, each of the at least two active agent delivery modules comprises a gas generating cell generating gas to build up a delivery pressure such that the active agent is delivered at the delivery rate.

[0090] Preferably, the delivery rates of the at least two active agent delivery modules are adjusted by setting a desired delivery rate or a desired course of the delivery rate of the at least two active agent delivery modules for delivering an active agent fluid containing the active agent to achieve the target concentration of the active agent and / or a time course of the target concentration of the active agent.

[0091] Preferably, the at least two active agent delivery modules are controlled via wireless communication.

[0092] Preferably, a detection unit is arranged in the storage and / or transport volume, and wherein the detection unit is configured to measure a parameter of the group of: temperature, air pressure, humidity, fungal spore concentration, bacterial concentration, insect infestation, and any combination thereof.

[0093] Thereby, the delivery rates of the at least two active agent delivery modules preferably are adjusted in accordance with a detection signal provided by the detection unit to achieve the predefined target concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume.

[0094] Preferably, the method is implemented by means of a set as described above.

[0095] The present disclosure further comprises the following variants of processes for the release of an active agent for maintaining and / or improving the storability and / or transportability of plant and / or animal products.

[0096] In a first variant, the process comprises the following process steps: a) determining a target concentration of the active agent within a predeterminable storage and / or transport volume and / or a time course of a target concentration of the active agent within a predeterminable storage and / or transport volume; b) spatially distributed arrangement of active agent delivery modules for active agent delivery within the storage and / or transport volume depending on the target concentration of the active agent and / or on the time course of the target concentration of the active agent; c) equipping the active substance delivery modules for active substance delivery with a first driver unit in each case, comprising an electrochemical gas generating cell and a control module controlling the gassing rate of the gas generated by the gas generating cell and a second active substance module connectable to the first driver unit, comprising a container for the active substance fluid containing the active agent with an active agent outlet, wherein a deliverypressure built up by the gas generated by means of the gas generating cell causes an active agent delivery to the active agent outlet; and d) setting the desired gassing rate or the desired course of the gassing rate at the control modules for delivering the active agent fluid to achieve the target concentration of the active agent and / or the time course of the target concentration of the active agent.

[0097] In a second variant, the process of the first variant includes at least a number of the control modules being controlled by a control unit via wireless communication.

[0098] In a third variant, the process of the first variant or of the second variant includes at least one detection unit for measuring the concentration of the active agent and / or for measuring product-specific parameters, such as temperature, air pressure, humidity, fungal spore concentration, bacteria concentration, insect infestation, etc., is arranged within the storage and / or transport volume.

[0099] In a fourth variant, the process of the third variant includes that the values measured by the detection unit are used to feed back the dosage of the active agent from the control unit to control one or more of the control modules.

[0100] In a fifth variant, the process of the third variant or of the fourth variant includes that the values measured by the detection unit are used to feed back the dosage of the active agent directly to control one or more of the control modules associated with this detection unit.

[0101] The present disclosure additionally further comprises the following alternatives of systems for the release of an active agent for maintaining and / or improving the storability and / or transportability of plant and / or animal products.

[0102] In a first alternative, the system comprises a) a control unit for determining a target concentration of the active agent within a predeterminable storage and / or transport volume and / or a time course of a target concentration of the active agent within a predeterminable storage and / or transport volume; b) active agent delivery modules distributed spatially within the storage and / or transport volume for active agent delivery as a function of the target concentration of the active agent and / or of the time course of the target concentration of the active agent; c) at least one of the active agent delivery modules for active agent delivery comprising a driver unit which comprises an electrochemical gas generating cell and a control module controlling the gassing rate ofthe gas generated by the gas development cell and an active agent unit which can be connected to the driver unit and which comprises a container for the active agent fluid containing the active agent with an active agent outlet, wherein a delivery pressure built up by the gas generated by means of the gas generating cell causes an active agent delivery to the active agent outlet; and wherein d) the desired gassing rate or the desired course of the gassing rate can be set on the control modules for delivering the active agent fluid to achieve the target concentration of the active agent and / or the time course of the target concentration of the active agent.

[0103] In a second alternative, the system of the first alternative includes that at least a number of the control modules are controllable by the control unit via wireless communication.

[0104] In a third alternative, the system of the first alternative or of the second alternative includes at least one detection unit for measuring the concentration of the active agent and / or for measuring product-specific parameters, such as temperature, air pressure, humidity, fungal spore concentration, bacterial concentration, insect infestation, etc., wherein the at least one detection unit is arranged within the storage and / or transport volume.

[0105] In a fourth alternative, the system of the third alternative includes that the values measured by the detection unit are usable to feed back the dosage of the active agent from the control unit to control one or more of the control modules.

[0106] In a fifth alternative, the system of the third alternative or of the fourth alternative includes that the values measured by the detection unit are usable to feed back the dosage of the active agent directly to control one or more of the control modules associated with this detection unit.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0107] The active agent delivery device according to the invention, the set according to the invention, the system according to the invention and the method according to the invention are described in more detail hereinbelow by way of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the attached drawings, in which:Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a set according to the invention including an embodiment of active agent delivery modules according to the invention; andFig. 2 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a system according to the invention including the set of Fig. 1 and implementing an embodiment of an embodiment of a method according to the invention.of Embodiments

[0108] In the following description certain terms are used for reasons of convenience and are not intended to limit the invention. The terms “right”, “left”, “up”, “down”, “under" and “above" refer to directions in the figures. The terminology comprises the explicitly mentioned terms as well as their derivations and terms with a similar meaning. Also, spatially relative terms, such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", "proximal", "distal", and the like, may be used to describe one element's or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different positions and orientations of the devices in use or operation in addition to the position and orientation shown in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be "above" or "over" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both positions and orientations of above and below. The devices may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Likewise, descriptions of movement along and around various axes include various special device positions and orientations.

[0109] To avoid repetition in the figures and the descriptions of the various aspects and illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that many features are common to many aspects and embodiments. Omission of an aspect from a description or figure does not imply that the aspect is missing from embodiments that incorporate that aspect. Instead, the aspect may have been omitted for clarity and to avoid prolix description. In this context, the following applies to the rest of this description: If, in order to clarify the drawings, a figure contains reference signs which are not explained in the directly associated part of the description, then it is referred to previous or following description sections. Further, for reason of lucidity, if in a drawing not all features of a part areprovided with reference signs it is referred to other drawings showing the same part. Like numbers in two or more figures represent the same or similar elements.

[0110] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a set 1 according to the invention with an embodiment of plural identical active agent delivery modules 2, 2’. Whereas Fig. 1 shows two identical active agent delivery modules 2, 2’, it may comprise additional identical active agent delivery modules 2, 2’ as the need may be. The set 1 further comprises a central processing apparatus 3, a door sensor 4 configured to provide a door status signal, a concentration sensor 5 configured to provide a concentration signal and a detection unit 6 configured to provide a detection signal based on at least one measured parameter of the group of temperature, air pressure, humidity, fungal spore concentration, bacterial concentration and insect infestation.

[0111] The active agent delivery module 2 comprises a communication unit 21 , a control unit 22, a gas generating cell 23 as driver unit and a tank unit 24. The communication unit 21 has a Bluetooth adapter 211 as sender member and as receiver member for wireless communication with the centra processing apparatus 3. It is further coupled to the control unit 22 in order to transfer data or command from the centra processing apparatus 3.

[0112] In particular, the Bluetooth adapter 211 is configured to receive processing data from the central processing apparatus 3 and to send module data to the central processing apparatus 3. Further, the Bluetooth adapter 211 is configured to forward the processing data to the control unit 22. Thereby, if appropriate, the processing data comprises operation data representing commands to induce the control unit 22 to operate the gas generating cell 23 to which the control unit 22 is coupled to. Like this, gas generation by means of the gas generating cell 23 or a gassing rate thereof is controlled by the central processing apparatus 3.

[0113] The tank unit 24 comprises a cylindric hollow tank in which a plunger 243 is arranged as plunger element. The plunger 243 tightly separates the tank in an upper gas receiving chamber 242 and a lower agent chamber 241 . The agent chamber 241 houses a fluid with an active agent. At a bottom end of the agent chamber 241 the tank unit 24 has an active agent outlet 244.

[0114] The gas generating unit 23 is coupled to the tank unit 24. Specifically, if the gas generating cell 23 is induced by the control unit 22 to produce gas, the gas generatingcell 23 provides generated gas into the gas receiving chamber 242 of the tank unit 24. Thereby a delivery pressure inside the gas receiving chamber 242 increases which causes the plunger to be downwardly forwarded relative to the tank unit 24 into the direction of the agent chamber 244. This, in turn, increases a pressure inside the agent chamber such that the fluid with the active agent is delivered out of the active agent delivery module through the active agent outlet 244.

[0115] The door sensor 4 comprises a Bluetooth adapter 41 as sender member for wireless communication with the central processing apparatus 3. Similarly, the concentration sensor 5 has a Bluetooth adapter 51 as sender member and the detection unit 6 has a Bluetooth adapter 61 as sender member. Specifically, the central processing apparatus 3 is configured to receive the door status signal from the door sensor 4, the concentration signal from the concentration sensor 5 and the detection signal from the detection unit 6 via its Bluetooth adapter 32. Further, the central processing apparatus comprises a computer 31 configured to generate the processing data, to evaluate received door status, concentration and detection signals. Moreover, the computer 31 is configured to adapt the processing data in accordance with the received signals.

[0116] In Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a system 7 according to the invention implemented by means of the set 1 described above in connection with Fig. 1. In addition to the set 1 , the system 7 comprises six transport containers 9 in which potatoes 91 are arranged as plant products. The transport containers 9 are positioned in a room 8 predefined space. The room 8 has an air condition 83 for conditioning the air inside the room 8. Further, the room 8 has a door 81 to which the door sensor 4 is associated. The transport containers 9 define a storage and / or transport volume 82 around the transport containers 9. The storage and / or transport volume 82 is the portion of the room 8 which may directly affect the potatoes 91 inside the transport containers 9.

[0117] The two active agent delivery modules 2 are attached and associated to two of the transport containers 9, i.e. the top left and bottom right ones. Thereby, they are positioned inside the storage and / or transport volume 82 for active agent delivery thereto. Further, the concentration sensor 5 is arranged inside the storage and / or transport volume 82 to measure a concentration of the active agent in the storage and / or transport volume 82.

[0118] The central processing apparatus 3 is mounted to a ceiling of the room 8. The computer 31 thereof is configured to predefine a target concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume 82. Specifically, the computer 31 is configured to adjust delivery rates of the two active agent delivery modules 2 to achieve the predefined target concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume 82. Further, the computer 31 is to adjust the gassing or delivery rates of the active agent delivery modules 2 in accordance with the received door status, concentration and detection signals to achieve the predefined target concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume 82.

[0119] The module data transferred from the active agent delivery modules 2 to the central processing apparatus 3 comprises presence data representing presence of the respective active agent delivery module in the room. Like this, for example, the central processing apparatus 3 may automatically learn which active agent delivery modules 2 are introduced into the room 8 or removed from it and, on the other hand, may inform about the stock of active agent delivery modules 2 within the room 8. In addition, it would also be possible here for the active agent delivery modules 2 to be switched on when they are introduced into the room 8 and switched off accordingly when they are removed therefrom.

[0120] This description and the accompanying drawings that illustrate aspects and embodiments of the present invention should not be taken as limiting-the claims defining the protected invention. In other words, while the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, electrical, and operational changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this description and the claims. In some instances, well-known circuits, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the invention. Thus, it will be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill within the scope and spirit of the following claims. In particular, the present invention covers further embodiments with any combination of features from different embodiments described above and below.

[0121] The disclosure also covers all further features shown in the Figs, individually although they may not have been described in the afore or following description. Also, single alternatives of the embodiments described in the figures and the description andsingle alternatives of features thereof can be disclaimed from the subject matter of the invention or from disclosed subject matter. The disclosure comprises subject matter consisting of the features defined in the claims or the exemplary embodiments as well as subject matter comprising said features. Also, the present disclosure covers intermediate generalisations of features or groups of features of the embodiments described and shown in the figures. I.e., specific features or groups of features as disclosed in the figures and the associated sections of the description may be combined with the more general embodiments of the invention disclosed in connection with the description of the invention. In particular, such specific features or groups of features may be provided in the more general embodiments of the invention in isolation from further specific features shown in the figures. It is understood that those skilled in the art are able to incorporate specific features from the description of the figures into the embodiments of the description of the invention.

[0122] Furthermore, in the claims the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single unit or step may fulfil the functions of several features recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. The terms “essentially”, “about”, “approximately” and the like in connection with an attribute or a value particularly also define exactly the attribute or exactly the value, respectively. The term “about” in the context of a given numerate value or range refers to a value or range that is, e.g., within 20%, within 10%, within 5%, or within 2% of the given value or range. Components described as coupled or connected may be electrically or mechanically directly coupled, or they may be indirectly coupled via one or more intermediate components. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An active agent delivery module (2) comprising: a tank unit (24) housing an active agent, wherein the tank unit (24) is equipped with an active agent outlet (244); a driver unit (23) couped to the tank unit (24); and a control unit (22) coupled to the driver unit (23), wherein the control unit (22) is configured to operate the driver unit (23) such that the driver unit (23) induces delivery of the active agent out of the tank unit (24) through the active agent outlet (244), characterized by comprising a communication unit (21 ) coupled to the control unit (22), wherein the communication unit (21 ) has a receiver member (211 ) configured to receive processing data and to forward the processing data to the control unit (22), and wherein the processing data comprises operation data representing commands to induce the control unit (22) to operate the driver unit (23).

2. The active agent delivery module (2) of claim 1 , wherein the driver unit (23) comprises a gas generating cell coupled to the tank unit (24) such that a gas produced by the gas generating cell induces the delivery of the active agent out of the tank unit (24) through the active agent outlet (244).

3. The active agent delivery module (2) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the driver unit (23) comprises a plunger element (243) coupled to the tank unit (24) such that forwarding the plunger element (243) relative to the tank unit (24) delivers the active agent out of the tank unit (24) through the active agent outlet (244).

4. The active agent delivery module (2) of claim 2 and 3, wherein the plunger element (243) of the driver unit (23) is coupled to the gas generating cell of the driver unit (23) such that the gas produced by the gas generating cell forwards the plunger element (243) relative to the tank unit (24).

5. The active agent delivery module (2) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication unit (21 ) comprises a sender member (211 ) configured to send module data to a central processing apparatus (3).

6. The active agent delivery module (2) of claim 5, wherein the module data comprises presence data representing presence of the active agent delivery module(2) in a predefined space (8).

7. The active agent delivery module (2) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operation data of the processing data comprises presence data representing presence of the active agent delivery module (2) in a predefined space.

8. A set (1 ) comprising at least two active agent delivery modules (2) according to any one of the preceding claims and a central processing apparatus(3), wherein the central processing apparatus (3) comprises a communication unit (21 ) with a sender member (32) configured to send processing data to the at least two active agent delivery modules (2).

9. The set (1 ) of claim 8, comprising a door sensor (4) configured to provide a door status signal.

10. The set (1 ) of claim 8 or 9, comprising a concentration sensor (5) configured to provide a concentration signal.11 . The set (1 ) of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the communication unit (21 ) of the central processing apparatus (3) comprises a receiver member (32).

12. The set (1 ) of claims 9 and 11 , wherein the communication unit (21 ) of the central processing apparatus (3) is configured to receive the door status signal from the door sensor (4) via the receiver member (32) and wherein the central processing apparatus (3) is configured to adapt the processing data in accordance with the received door status signal.

13. The set (1 ) of claims 10 and 11 , wherein the communication unit (21 ) of the central processing apparatus (3) is configured to receive the concentrationsignal from the concentration sensor (5) via the receiver member (32) and wherein the central processing apparatus (3) is configured to adapt the processing data in accordance with the received concentration signal.

14. The set (1 ) of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the communication unit (21 ) of the central processing apparatus (3) is configured to receive module data from the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) via the receiver member (32).

15. The set (1 ) of any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the processing data comprises operation data representing commands to induce the control unit (22) of each of the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) to operate the driver unit (23) to induce delivery.

16. The set (1 ) of any one of claims 8 to 15, comprising a presence sensor.

17. A system (7) for delivering an active agent for maintaining and / or improving the storability and / or transportability of plant products (91 ), comprising: plural transport containers (9) in which the plant products (91 ) are arranged, wherein the transport containers (9) are positioned in a predefined space (8) and wherein the transport containers (9) define a storage and / or transport volume (82) around the transport containers (9); at least two active agent delivery modules (2) arranged within the storage and / or transport volume (82) for active agent delivery, wherein each of the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) comprises a control unit (22) configured to induce delivery of the active agent at a delivery rate; and a central processing apparatus (3) configured to predefine a target concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume and configured to adjust the delivery rates of the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) to achieve the predefined target concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume (82).

18. The system of claim 17, wherein each of the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) is an active agent delivery module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

19. The system of claim 17 or 18, wherein the central processing apparatus (3) is configured to predefine the target concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume (82) by predefining a temporal course of concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume (82).

20. The system of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) are arranged within the storage and / or transport volume (82) for active agent delivery in accordance with the target concentration of the active agent by each of the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) being associated to one of the plural transport containers (9).

21. The system of any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the active agent delivery is a function of the target concentration of the active agent and / or of the time course of the target concentration of the active agent.

22. The system of any one of claims 17 to 21 , comprising a door (81 ) arranged to close the predefined space (8), wherein the door (81 ) is equipped with a door sensor (4) configured to provide a door status signal and wherein the central processing apparatus (3) is configured to receive the door status signal provided by the door sensor (4) and to adjust the delivery rates of the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) in accordance with the received door status signal to achieve the predefined target concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume (82).

23. The system of any one of claims 17 to 22, comprising a concentration sensor (5) configured to provide a concentration signal, wherein the concentration sensor (5) is arranged in the storage and / or transport volume (82) and wherein the central processing apparatus (3) is configured to receive the concentration signal provided by the concentration sensor (5) and to adjust the delivery rates of the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) in accordance with the received concentration signal to achieve the predefined target concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume (82).

24. The system of any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein each of the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) comprises a driver unit and an active agentunit with a container for an active agent fluid containing the active agent, wherein the container of each of the at least two active substance delivery modules has an active agent outlet (244) and wherein the control unit (22) of each of the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) is configured to induce delivery of the active agent at the delivery rate by controlling the delivery rate.

25. The system of any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein each of the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) comprises a gas generating cell configured to generate gas to build up a delivery pressure such that the active agent is delivered at the delivery rate.

26. The system of any one claims 17 to 25, wherein the central processing apparatus (3) is configured to adjust the delivery rates of the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) by setting a desired delivery rate or a desired course of the delivery rate on the control units (22) of the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) for delivering an active agent fluid containing the active agent to achieve the target concentration of the active agent and / or a time course of the target concentration of the active agent.

27. The system of any one claims 17 to 26, wherein the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) are controlled by the central processing apparatus (3) via wireless communication.

28. The system of any one claims 17 to 27, comprising a detection unit (6) arranged in the storage and / or transport volume (82), wherein the detection unit (6) is configured to measure a parameter of the group of: temperature, air pressure, humidity, fungal spore concentration, bacterial concentration, insect infestation, and any combination thereof.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein the central processing apparatus (3) is configured to receive a detection signal from the detection unit (6) and to adjust the delivery rates of the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) in accordance with the received detection signal to achieve the predefined target concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume (82).

30. The system of any one of claims 17 to 29, comprising a set according to any one of claims 8 to 16.31 . A method of delivering an active agent for maintaining and / or improving the storability and / or transportability of plant products (91 ), comprising: predefining a target concentration of the active agent within a storage and / or transport volume (82) defined around plural transport containers (9) in which the products are arranged, wherein the transport containers (9) are positioned in a predefined space (8); arranging at least two active agent delivery modules (2) within the storage and / or transport volume (82) for active agent delivery, wherein each of the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) comprises a control unit (22) configured to induce delivery of the active agent at a delivery rate; and adjusting delivery rates of the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) to achieve the predefined target concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume (82).

32. The method of claim 31 , wherein each of the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) is an active agent delivery module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

33. The method of claim 31 or 32, wherein predefining the target concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume (82) comprises predefining a temporal course of concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume (82).

34. The method of any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein each of the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) is associated to one of the plural transport containers (9).

35. The method of any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein the active agent delivery is a function of the target concentration of the active agent and / or of the time course of the target concentration of the active agent.

36. The method of any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein a door sensor (4) configured to provide a door status signal is coupled to a door arranged to close the predefined space (8), wherein the delivery rates of the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) are adjusted in accordance with the door status signal to achieve the predefined target concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume (82).

37. The method of any one of claims 31 to 36, wherein a concentration sensor (5) configured to provide a concentration signal is arranged in the storage and / or transport volume (82), wherein the delivery rates of the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) is adjusted in accordance with the concentration signal to achieve the predefined target concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume (82).

38. The method of any one of claims 31 to 37, wherein each of the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) comprises a driver unit and an active agent unit with a container for an active agent fluid containing the active agent, wherein the container of each of the at least two active substance delivery modules has an active agent outlet (244) and wherein the control unit (22) of each of the at least two active substance delivery modules is configured to induce delivery of the active agent at the delivery rate by controlling the delivery rate.

39. The method of any one of claims 31 to 38, wherein each of the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) comprises a gas generating cell generating gas to build up a delivery pressure such that the active agent is delivered at the delivery rate.

40. The method of any one claims 31 to 39, wherein the delivery rates of the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) is adjusted by setting a desired delivery rate or a desired course of the delivery rate of the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) for delivering an active agent fluid containing the active agent to achieve the target concentration of the active agent and / or a time course of the target concentration of the active agent.41 . The method of any one claims 31 to 40, wherein the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) are controlled via wireless communication.

42. The method of any one claims 31 to 41 , wherein a detection unit (6) is arranged in the storage and / or transport volume (82), and wherein the detection unit (6) is configured to measure a parameter of the group of: temperature, air pressure, humidity, fungal spore concentration, bacterial concentration, insect infestation, and any combination thereof.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the delivery rates of the at least two active agent delivery modules (2) is adjusted in accordance with a detection signal provided by the detection unit (6) to achieve the predefined target concentration of the active agent within the storage and / or transport volume (82).

44. The method of any one of claims 31 to 43, comprising a set (1 ) according to any one of claims 8 to 16.

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