Abstract: A control mechanism which includes a mercury switch associated with each down auger carried by an arcuately rotating horizontal support of a grain bin stirring apparatus which does not permit the arcuate movement to commence until a predetermined rate of auger revolution is reached and which also automatically terminates said arcuate movement whenever the structure to which the augur is journaled is tipped beyond a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A grain bin stirring apparatus with a horizontal support member for radially reciprocating down augers, said support member rotating in an arcuate path around the bin wherein the center-most reciprocating auger travels twice as far radially as the other augers through a cable and pulley arrangement. The down augers are caused to move radially by a pivoting link which transmits a programmed extent and speed of motion and the power source is geared to drive both the auger carriage units radially and the support member in an arcuate path.

Abstract: A material spreader for the uniform distribution of granular material beneath the spreader by broadcasting the material through outlets formed within a rotating pan. The spreader has a funnel-shaped chute to receive material and direct it into the pan under the force of gravity. The pan has a flat-bottomed surface and vertical walls with outlets formed in its corners. Vanes are provided which extend the sides of the pan in a direction away from the center of the pan, thereby increasing the horizontal velocity of the material leaving the pan outlets. Baffle plates throttle the passage of material through the outlets in the corners of the pan, aiding the momentary retention of material in the pan to assure that substantially equivalent amounts of material exit each corner of the pan. Secondary outlets of adjustable size are provided in the bottom of the pan to allow material to exit nearly vertically. The horizontal throw of the pan may be varied by changing its rotational speed and by reversing its direction.

Abstract: A spreader for feeding and uniformly distributing grain in a bin. The spreader has a hopper to receive the incoming grain. A screw mounted in the hopper evenly spreads the grain and propels it into a chute whose discharge mouth is normally closed by a spring pressed gate, or valve. A rotary thrower blade, mounted below the chute, aids the chute to distribute the grain generally radially and downwardly uniformly in the bin. The screw, the discharge chute and the thrower are driven as a unit by a single shaft, mounted coaxially in the hopper, and rotated by a motor mounted externally of the hopper. The pressure of grain movement propelled by the screw opens the chute gate allowing grain to pass to the spreader.