The bottom tier (24) of a conveyor belt (22) arranged in a spiral stack (26) is supported by and driven by inner and outer drive chains (28) and (30). The inner and outer drive chains are supported on and ride along support rails (32) and (34). The inner and outer drive chains are driven by a drive system (35) composed of inner and outer drive systems (36) and (38), each including a drive motor with a drive gear engaged with the inner and outer drive chains. Each of the motors is controlled by a separate variable frequency drive unit (114) and (116) which in turn are controlled by a control system (44). The control system (44) also controls the operation of a lubrication system (40) that supplies lubricant to the drive chains.

The bottom tier (24) of a conveyor belt (22) arranged in a spiral stack (26) is supported by and driven by inner and outer drive chains (28) and (30). The inner and outer drive chains are supported on and ride along support rails (32) and (34). The inner and outer drive chains are driven by a drive system (35) composed of inner and outer drive systems (36) and (38), each including a drive motor with a drive gear engaged with the inner and outer drive chains. Each of the motors is controlled by a separate variable frequency drive unit (114) and (116) which in turn are controlled by a control system (44). The control system (44) also controls the operation of a lubrication system (40) that supplies lubricant to the drive chains.

A plant workshop system for a plant factory that cultivates plants. The plant workshop is disposed adjacent to one or more plant factories that cultivate plants for harvest and/or sale. The workshop includes a building structure having a roof and walls that form an environmental enclosure. A work bench is provided. The adjacent plant factory plant utilizes a trolley conveyor for transport of plants in plant containers. The trolley conveyor is provided with a portion of the trolley conveyor track that enters the workshop, runs adjacent to or over the work bench, and then exits the workshop, thus bringing plants to the work bench for planting, pruning, harvesting, or packaging activities by a worker. Air curtains are provided at the entrance and exit points of the trolley conveyor. A vacuum system is provided for use by the worker in cleaning plant containers. A lubrication oil system is provided for use in providing edible lubrication oil to moving parts of the trolley conveyor. The lubrication oil system may be provided with detectors for automatic sensing of passage of portions of the trolley conveyor, so that oil is provided without the need for worker intervention.

A plant workshop system for a plant factory that cultivates plants. The plant workshop is disposed adjacent to one or more plant factories that cultivate plants for harvest and/or sale. The workshop includes a building structure having a roof and walls that form an environmental enclosure. A work bench is provided. The adjacent plant factory plant utilizes a trolley conveyor for transport of plants in plant containers. The trolley conveyor is provided with a portion of the trolley conveyor track that enters the workshop, runs adjacent to or over the work bench, and then exits the workshop, thus bringing plants to the work bench for planting, pruning, harvesting, or packaging activities by a worker. Air curtains are provided at the entrance and exit points of the trolley conveyor. A vacuum system is provided for use by the worker in cleaning plant containers. A lubrication oil system is provided for use in providing edible lubrication oil to moving parts of the trolley conveyor. The lubrication oil system may be provided with detectors for automatic sensing of passage of portions of the trolley conveyor, so that oil is provided without the need for worker intervention.

A device for applying oil on a chain of a two-wheeler, such as a bicycle (10), comprises: a container for the oil to be applied; an outlet through which the oil may exit from the container; and an applicator configured to repeatedly open and close the outlet during a movement of the device relative to the chain in the longitudinal direction of the chain so that the oil located in the container is applied incrementally to the chain.

A device for applying oil on a chain of a two-wheeler, such as a bicycle (10), comprises: a container for the oil to be applied; an outlet through which the oil may exit from the container; and an applicator configured to repeatedly open and close the outlet during a movement of the device relative to the chain in the longitudinal direction of the chain so that the oil located in the container is applied incrementally to the chain.

A shaker mechanism used in an agricultural machine, such as sugarcane harvesters and sweet sorghum harvesters. The shaker mechanism is configured for removing mud, dirt and plant remains accumulated in a lower protective tarpaulin of a mounting chassis of conveyor rollers and choppers of the agricultural machine. The shaker mechanism includes at least a bar having ends which are fastened on rotary support bearings. The bar is configured to stand at least partially out from an edge of the bearings forming at least a spare surface for contact with a protective tarpaulin positioned on the chassis of the machine.

A monitoring and feedback system may provide real-time feedback on the bearings in the chain of a proofer/oven conveyor system. The system may detect a bearing seizure before any damage can occur to the track and/or may provide for improper lubrication detection. Accordingly, a chain section or a bearing may be pulled out of the conveyor system for repair/replacement, thereby prolonging the life of the conveyor system as a whole, including the conveyor chain and bearings.

A lubrication system for a roller chain. The lubrication system provides a lubricant reservoir, at least one piston pump, and synchronization means. The synchronization means has engaging means dedicated to mechanically mesh with roller chain in motion, and actuating means fastened in motion with the synchronization means the actuating means being in constant mechanical cooperation with a piston pump.

A lubrication system for a roller chain. The lubrication system provides a lubricant reservoir, at least one piston pump, and synchronization means. The synchronization means has engaging means dedicated to mechanically mesh with roller chain in motion, and actuating means fastened in motion with the synchronization means the actuating means being in constant mechanical cooperation with a piston pump.