Patent ID: 6374537
Filing Date: 2002-04-23
Classification: A01G,Y02A,Y02P

Abstract:
A system for conveying plural plant trays in a greenhouse, comprising:a) a plurality of continuous conveyor means, each in the form of a cable having cable ends spliced together, said continuous conveyor means adapted to support and convey in an upright condition at least one of said plant trays through said greenhouse, said continuous conveyor having an upper plant transport portion and a lower cable return portion; b) a plurality of first end pulleys of the same quantity as that of said continuous conveyor means, each first end pulley adapted to receive at least one of said continuous conveyor means, said plurality of first end pulleys each having substantially the same working diameter; c) a plurality of second end pulleys of the same quantity as said continuous conveyor means; each second end pulley adapted to receive said continuous conveyor means, said plurality of second end pulleys each having substantially the same working diameter; d) at least one set of upper central support pulleys, each set of said central support pulleys rigidly attached to one of a plurality of structural members of said greenhouse, said upper central support pulleys adapted to support said upper plant transport portion of said continuous cable conveyor to allow the plant trays to travel without substantial deflection of the continuous conveyor means; and e) a drive means attached to said plurality of said first end pulleys to drive said first end pulleys which drive said continuous conveyor means; whereby, said system is adopted to transport said plant trays through said greenhouse on said continuous conveyor means from said first end pulleys to said second end pulleys.