Abstract: A spreader with a material divider that is adjustable by movement of a plurality of internally movable parts therein to change a stream of material which flows in an arbitrary manner to the centrifugal disk(s) to achieve a desired symmetrical or asymmetrical spread pattern.

Abstract: A spreader with a material divider that is adjustable from side to side so as to change a percentage of a stream of material which flows through portions of the material divider and also supports and moves laterally with a spinner while the spinner is adjustable longitudinally. The geometry of spread patterns can be adjusted by laterally manipulating the location of the material divider.

Abstract: An improved particulate material spreader includes an adjustable spinner apparatus which is incrementally adjustable forwardly and rearwardly to a plurality of operating positions relative to the discharge end of the material conveyor. The adjustment may be manual or automatic to adjust the drop point of the material onto the spinners, thereby accommodating varying application rates of the particulate material on a field, lawn, road, or other area. The spreader may be operatively connected to a microprocessor to receive data input and sensor feedback for variable rate technology.

Abstract: An anti-slabbing device pivotally coupled above a material conveyor and configured to drop down onto material conveyed and further configured so as to vibrate the leading edge of the material as it reaches the end of the conveyor to create a more consistent flow of material from the end of the conveyor down onto a spinner for distributing the material.

Abstract: A convertible material spreader in which a single hopper bin with a conveyor is converted into a dual bin hopper with dual independent conveyors by nesting a secondary hopper and conveyor combination into the primary bin after removing an end gate.

Abstract: An improved particulate material spreader includes an adjustable spinner apparatus which is incrementally adjustable forwardly and rearwardly to a plurality of operating positions relative to the discharge end of the material conveyor. The adjustment may be manual or automatic to adjust the drop point of the material onto the spinners, thereby accommodating varying application rates of the particulate material on a field, lawn, road, or other area. The spreader may be operatively connected to a microprocessor to receive data input and sensor feedback for variable rate technology.

Abstract: A distributor insert screen cover adapted for use both as a particulate bay screen cover and as a lightweight and stable distributor insert stand. A screen is provided in multiple panels that span portions of an open, particulate bay top wall. The panels may be fitted together when removed from the particulate bay to form a stand having a footprint or base of sufficient width to provide improved stability and to allow support of the distributor insert at a height sufficient to allow suspension of a lowly disposed release element above the ground. Simplified versions having fewer or alternative stand components are also disclosed.

Abstract: A particulate material spreader includes an adjustable spinner apparatus which is incrementally adjustable forwardly and rearwardly to a plurality of operating positions relative to the discharge end of the material conveyor. The adjustment may be manual or automatic to adjust the drop point of the material onto the spinners, thereby accommodating varying application rates of the particulate material on a field, lawn, road, or other area. The spreader may be operatively connected to a microprocessor to receive data input and sensor feedback for variable rate technology.

Abstract: A multiple purpose dump unit designed to be mounted on a vehicle for hauling, dumping, spreading and the collection of refuse as well as for distributing salt, sand and other aggregates. The unit has a single dump body with a sloping, fixed endgate and a longitudinally extending conveyor along the open bottom of the dump body, and the unit is provided with a spreader mechanism at the exit gate from the conveyor to facilitate spreading of salt, sand and other aggregates. The unit is pivotally mounted near its rear end so that it can be lifted by hydraulic cylinders for dumping, spreading aggregate, asphalt, etc. The dump unit can be sized so that the vehicle can navigate narrow streets and alleys and is mounted at a height and with sides of a height to meet the requirements for manual refuse loading.

Abstract: A material blender includes an inclined, axially rotatable drum which is capable of executing multiple functions related to blending of materials including weighing and conveying the materials. The materials, such as agricultural fertilizers are loaded at a lower end into the drum and are at the same time weighted by weigh cells supporting the apparatus. The materials are then conveyed in an annular space of the drum to an upper end of the drum. An end cover disposed at the upper end of the drum is selectively movable between an open and a closed position. When the end cover is in the closed position the materials are transferred at the upper end from the annular space to a central return tube from where they are distributed and blended with parcels of material moving in turn toward the upper end to also be so distributed.

Abstract: Spreading apparatus for attachment to a vehicle for distributing granular materials such as fertilizer and the like, using air as the distributing medium. The spreading apparatus includes a rear-mounted boom and an air system in which the material distribution passageways are substantially straight from the discharge of the fans to the point of material introduction to the discharge nozzles along the boom. This is achieved by the use of two blowers that move air in opposite directions through a cross-over tube array into which the already-divided material is introduced into individual air passageways leading to the discharge nozzles mounted along the boom. The boom itself is designed so that it can be quickly and easily folded and pivoted for storage or transport.

Abstract: A flail type manure spreader apparatus having a half round, elongated tank having a rotor to which flail chains are anchored for 360.degree. rotation, a pair of starters secured to each end of the rotor, and cleanout flingers having depending chains thereon to make certain the areas about the lower end of the tank adjacent the ends are cleaned of manure while spreading.

Abstract: In a system for spreading material from a vehicle, the ground speed of the vehicle is sensed by a low torque transducer which generates a train of electrical pulses or digital signal having a repetition rate representative of the vehicle's ground speed. The digital signal energizes a stepper motor. The shaft of the stepper motor is coupled to a mechanical comparator which is also responsive to the speed of a conveyor, which delivers the material to be spread, for controlling the conveyor drive motor so that the speed of the conveyor tracks the ground speed of the vehicle even at very low speeds. Proportioning of the ground speed signals is accomplished electronically by a digital counter circuit. Override of the ground speed control signal is actuated by the operator. The override may require continued operator actuation; or the override, once actuated may last for a predetermined time or a predetermined distance travelled by the vehicle. In the latter two cases, the time and distance may be adjusted.