Catch mechanism facilitating loading of vertical grow towers onto grow lines in a vertical farm system
US11570958B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 19, 2020 |
| Grant date | Feb 7, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 20, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P60/21
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tower catch mechanism that facilitates loading of vertical grow towers in a vertical farming structure having associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, while being exposed to controlled conditions, such as lighting, airflow, humidity and nutritional support. The present disclosure describes a load conveyance mechanism that transfers grow towers to a loading position where grow towers are loaded onto a select grow line. Each grow line may include a grow tower conveyance system that moves vertically-oriented grow towers to select positions along a grow line. The system may include a tower catch mechanism that registers grow towers in position at the loading position for insertion into a select grow line. In some implementations, the tower catch mechanism can be integrated into other structures of the vertical farming system, such as a gutter basin corresponding to a select grow line.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.