Container For Non-fluid Material, And Scattering Means Patents (Class 239/650)
  • Publication number: 20100288859
    Abstract: A spreader (100) for spreading material, which in one embodiment comprises an upper bracket (120), a shaft (140), a return spring (160), a lower bracket (180), first and second sets of chain links (200a and 200b), and a spreader plate (220). The upper and lower brackets (120 and 180) are preferably aligned in the same vertical plane. The first and second chain links (200a and 200b) are located on opposite sides of the spreader (100) and on either side of the shaft (140). Upon rotation of the spreader (100) the first and second sets of chain links (200a and 200b) experience a centrifugal force sufficient to cause the spreader plate (220) to move down the shaft (140) and upon ceasing rotation the spreader plate (220) returns to a default position proximate to the top of the shaft (140).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Stan Chism
  • Patent number: 7832663
    Abstract: A portable game feeder backpack that is worn by the user to spread feed for wild game or other granular material, e.g. seed, grain, or fertilizer. The invention provides a bucket mounted on a tubular frame. A funnel and a downspout direct granular material to a motorized spreader plate mounted below the bucket. A handheld switch remotely activates the motor. The device is worn as a backpack and has two removable padded shoulder straps. A detachable bracket allows the device to be attached to the rear structure on a vehicle, e.g. an all terrain vehicle or pickup. The device also can be used as a swiveling hunting seat having a padded cover on the lid of the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Leon David Cotham
  • Patent number: 7819347
    Abstract: A dispenser is provided for delivering a controlled quantity of a granular material. The dispenser includes a reservoir that retains granular material. The reservoir is supported in the dispenser with a passageway defined between opposing ends. A nozzle is provided for the outflow of material from the reservoir to a metering cup. A baffle is provided within the metering cup to stabilize the controlled volume directed into the cup from the reservoir. Once the metering cup is filled, the dispenser is inverted and the volume of material is directed from the cup, through the passageway and out of an opening adjacent a diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith E. Antal, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7753293
    Abstract: A spreader accessory mountable below the extension rack of an ATV. In another aspect, an improved spreader mechanism that automatically starts and stops the feed of material from a storage container in conjunction with the distribution of material therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas E. Farmer
  • Patent number: 7673813
    Abstract: A portable spray apparatus (1) is provided to selectively discharge liquid spray medium and solid dust medium with a blower airflow (7) generated by a blower (6). An adaptor (8) is provided which has at least a channel section (9) of a liquids channel (10) for the liquid spray medium and a channel section (11) of a solids channel (12) for the solid dust medium. The adaptor (8) is releasably connected to a supply vessel (4). The liquids channel (10) and the solids channel (12) open into the blower airflow (7). Various built-in positions of the supply vessel (4) and of the adaptor (8) are freely selectable relative to each other and to the blower unit (3) by the operator. In one built-in position, the liquids channel (10) is connected via its channel section (9) to an interior space (13) of the supply vessel (4) and, in another built-in position, the solids channel (12) is connected to this interior space (13) via the channel section (11) thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Raffenberg, Heiko Rosskamp, Thomas Stark, Markus Pfeifer, Heinz Hettmann, Markus Zeller, Klaus Langhans, Sebastian Hansen, Hans-Georg Wiedmann, Matthias Müller
  • Publication number: 20100006666
    Abstract: A control mechanism for a spreader incorporating a movable material control gate comprises a first limit switch having a fixed position, a linear actuator having a positional member which moves in response to operation of the linear actuator. Movement of the positional member in a first direction causes the positional member to contact the first limit switch to define a closed position of the control gate. The control mechanism also includes a second limit switch mounted to the positional member and an adjustment system comprising a user adjustment device engaged with a linear adjustment member adjustable through a positional linear range. Movement of the adjustment device by a user causes the adjustment member to move within the linear range. Additionally, movement of the positional member in a second direction causes the second limit switch to contact the adjustment member to define an adjustably open position of the control gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Kendall, Richard Sevrey
  • Publication number: 20090277979
    Abstract: The cartridge spreader system includes a mobile cartridge spreader with a cartridge station configured to engage a cartridge and includes a locking controller for locking the cartridge securely into the cartridge station. The cartridge station includes an activator mechanism for activating and deactivating an engaged cartridge. The cartridge spreader includes an activation controller for activating and deactivating the cartridge. Activation of the cartridge allows the granular product contained in the cartridge to flow out of the container, through a granular chute on the cartridge station, and onto a granular product launcher which launches or impels the granular product over terrain or other surface. When the cartridge is deactivated, the flow path is sealed stopping the flow of granular product. The cartridge itself includes a fitment that engages with the cartridge station. The cartridge fitment includes an appropriately sized metering gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Steven J. CICHY, Paul M. Havlovitz, Mark A. Ochs, Brad Schultz, Jeffrey Kalman, Craig Saunders, Paul Stephens, Bill Rabbitt, June O. Toscano
  • Patent number: 7607595
    Abstract: An accessory mountable to an ATV includes an extension rack that provides a substantially flat storage bed. A spreader assembly for storing and distributing granular material therefrom is supported in a position below the extension rack. In the preferred embodiment, the extension rack is mounted to the carrier rack of the ATV, and the spreader is mounted to the extension rack such that it is positioned under the extension rack. The extension rack preferably includes a door that provides a passageway to the spreader assembly and also includes side walls that are vertically disposed with respect to the substantially flat storage bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas E. Farmer
  • Publication number: 20090134247
    Abstract: A lawn repair device and system configured to deliver sand and seed mixtures or other lawn maintenance materials to lawn divots or other lawn defects by tilt activation or piston assist devices that causes the interposing of an aperture beneath a reservoir containing the lawn maintenance materials. The lawn maintenance materials then passes through the aperture and out a channel that aims and confines the lawn maintenance materials to fill a user-selected divot. Other embodiments provide for sand or soil based seed mixtures having a clod like or agglomerated consistency to be processed through a built-in pulverizing device prior to delivery to the aperture to disrupt any agglomerated or clod like sand or soil based seed mixtures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: James Dean Martin, James Mattern
  • Patent number: 7500622
    Abstract: Granule distributing apparatus comprises a container (1) having a discharge opening (3) for a product to be distributed and a duct member (6) connected to the discharge opening provides a distribution chamber (64) for the product. The duct member (6) is foldable between working and storage positions. In the working position it projects away from the container (1) and allows products to pass through the discharge opening (3) and along the distribution channel (64). In its storage position the duct member (6) obturates the discharge opening (3) and extends over the top of the container. A locking member (5) is preferably provided which is manipulatable to locate the duct member (6) in the working position and also serves to close an entry end of the distribution channel (64) when the duct member is in the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: PBI Home and Garden Limited
    Inventors: Colin Golding, Keith Michael Nicholson
  • Patent number: 7472849
    Abstract: A device for an operator sitting in the driver's seat of a vehicle to deposit a quantity of material at a target location on the ground adjacent the passenger side of the vehicle, from a hopper having a discharge aperture and a valve for selectively opening and closing the discharge aperture. The hopper is removably mountable to the passenger side of the vehicle. A discharge tube is operatively associated with the hopper discharge aperture and extends from the hopper, for receiving material from the hopper and discharging the material substantially at ground level adjacent the passenger side of the vehicle. A controller within reach of the driver and operatively associated with the valve permits opening and closing the valve and thereby selectively depositing a controlled quantity of granular material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: Glenn F. Cusano
  • Patent number: 7455248
    Abstract: A pistol-shaped powder delivery device consolidates propellant pulse creation, powder storage, powder aerosolization and aerolsolized powdered delivery in a single device while providing dose, pattern and coverage control of the output spray. The single-hand-held, single-hand-operated device includes a housing having a handle portion that is selectively collapsed to generate a propellant pulse that is conveyed into and through powder stored in a reservoir mounted at an upward angle to the horizontal in a receptacle provided in the housing. Powder in the reservoir is caused to be aerosolized by the propellant pulse whereupon aerosolized powder exits the reservoir through an open end of, and elongate slots provided in the sidewall of, an elongate hollow member extending from an outlet in the receptacle through the stored powdered material into a head space in the reservoir. The outlet is connected a barrel portion for output of the aerosolized powder spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Genzyme Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph J. Kablik, Andrew Gentile, A. David Boccuti
  • Publication number: 20080179432
    Abstract: The present invention provides spreader covers and methods of using the spreader covers. Specifically, the present invention provides spreader covers that are generally rigid that are configured for enclosing the hopper of a spreader device (e.g., to protect from rain and/or spillage). In certain embodiments, the generally rigid spreader covers enclosing the top of a hopper may be slid back, along the hopper opening ridge, to allow material to be added to the hopper without removing the spreader cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: William Hodge
  • Publication number: 20080173736
    Abstract: An mobile material placer with a placer conveyor having a high-speed direct hydraulic drive mechanism. The mobile material placer includes a body, a material hopper coupled to the body and configured to receive and store material, a feeder conveyor coupled to the body, and a placer conveyor pivotally coupled to the body. The placer conveyor includes a frame, at least a drive axle and a secondary axle rotatably coupled to the frame, each axle having at least one roller mounted thereon. An endless belt extends around and frictionally engages the rollers. A direct hydraulic drive mechanism is provided and causes the drive to rotate. The rotating axle causes the rollers to rotate and thereby drive the endless belt at a high-speed. The direct hydraulic drive mechanism is configured to drive the endless belt at a linear velocity of at least 3,000 ft/min.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Rexius Forest By-Products, Inc.
    Inventor: David Looney
  • Patent number: 7347390
    Abstract: The subject invention provides a mounting assembly (10) for supporting a hopper (16) and a spreading mechanism (12) on a vehicle (14) for carrying and spreading a material. A spreader frame (18) supports the hopper (16) and a bumper bracket (60) is mounted to a bumper of the vehicle (14) for attaching the spreader frame (18) to a bumper. The mounting assembly (10) further includes a hitch support (70) for supporting the spreader frame (18) on a hitch receiver (72) of the vehicle (14). A plate (76) interconnects the hitch support (70) to the spreader frame (18) for adjusting a height of the hitch support (70) relative to the spreader frame (18). A pair of vertical supports (62) extend vertically from the spreader frame (18) for attachment to the bed of the vehicle (14) at an upper end (86) thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Trynex Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Truan, Paul Mandrik
  • Patent number: 7337992
    Abstract: An assembly for distributing particulate material comprising a blower assembly preferably removably mounted on a mobile platform and structured to generate a forced flow of air along a flow path and through a manifold assembly connected to a supply of material being distributed. The manifold assembly includes a receiving segment incorporating a Venturi section facilitating the introduction of the particulate material into the forced air flow passing through a discharge conduit. The discharge conduit preferably has an extended length to facilitate distribution of the material to a plurality of locations in a variety of different environments. An applicator is selectively attached to the discharge conduit so as to facilitate distribution of the particulate material to a substantially confined space, such as a potted plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Michael S. Blatt
  • Patent number: 7328861
    Abstract: An electrically powered hand-held material spreader for spreading particulate material comprising: a hopper; a dispensing mechanism disposed below the hopper; an aperture disposed at a bottom of the hopper and above the dispensing mechanism; an electric power assembly comprising an electric motor, a power source and a power switch; and a handle positionable above the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Keter Plastic Ltd
    Inventors: Sami Sagol, Zvi Zak
  • Patent number: 7325755
    Abstract: The rotary tool for spreading particulate materials from a mound of the same. The tool has an elongated shaft with a rotatable body mounted proximate a first end thereof. The body has a peripheral edge with a plurality of flexible fingers radiating outwardly therefrom. The rotatable body has an upper surface and a center axis in the upper surface. The tool includes a motor which, when activated, causes the rotatable body to rotate about its center axis. As the rotatable body rotates, the fingers engage the particulate materials and cause the pieces to be flicked outwardly away from the rotating body. The tool may also be used as a shovel-type device when the motor is not activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Green Industry Innovators, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Todd E. Pugh
  • Patent number: 7318557
    Abstract: A rotary distributor is for use in spreading solid particles and/or liquid from an agricultural machine. The rotary distributor comprises a round distributor having outlet holes arranged peripherally in the horizontal bottom of the housing and connected to outlet pipes 3, a first supply pipe 4 arranged centrally in the bottom of the distributor housing 1 for the supply of liquid under pressure and connected to a vertical, rotatably supported hollow rotor shaft 5 in flow communication with a first transverse hollow rotor arm 6 which has at least one angled, and downward-directed nozzle 7 that is level with the outlet holes 2. The distributor housing further comprises a means 10, 11 for introducing and distributing solid particles such as seed corn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Agromiljo AS
    Inventor: Kjell Vastveit
  • Patent number: 7306175
    Abstract: A spreader accessory mountable below the extension rack of an ATV. In another aspect, an improved spreader mechanism that automatically starts and stops the feed of material from a storage container in conjunction with the distribution of material therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas E. Farmer
  • Patent number: 7303145
    Abstract: An air flush system for a spraying system includes an air compressor unit and an inverter. The air compressor unit integrally comprises a compressor including an electric motor configured to operate upon receipt of alternating current voltage, a tank provided in fluid communication with the compressor and configured to store air compressed by the compressor; and an outlet provided in fluid communication with the tank and configured to selectively dispense compressed air from the tank to a portion of a spraying system to facilitate purging of material from the spraying system. The inverter is configured to selectively convert direct current voltage from a vehicular electrical system into alternating current voltage suitable to operate the compressor. A method for cleaning a spraying apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Finn Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas E. Wysong
  • Patent number: 7293723
    Abstract: A material handling device for a vehicle includes a receiving portion for receiving material, a material moving system operable to move material along the receiving portion, a material processing device attachable at a rear of the receiving portion, and a power source. The receiving portion is configured to fit at a vehicle bed, and is removably positioned at a vehicle bed. The material handling device may be movably supported at a support surface to ease installation and removal of said material handling device at the vehicle. The material processing device is operable to dispense material from within the receiving portion to a location external the receiving portion and/or collect material from a location external the receiving portion and dispense the collected material into the receiving portion. The power source may provide power to the material processing device and/or the material moving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Rockit Corp.
    Inventors: Cal G Niemela, Philip J Quenzi
  • Patent number: 7281675
    Abstract: A portable, user shoulder supported spreader/blower unit includes an ergonomically configured housing which includes a section defining a storage bin for holding a quantity of salt or like chemical particulate material for spreading onto ground surfaces to prevent icing thereon in winter. A centrifugal distributor disk is located in a housing space section below the bin and, a bin discharge aperture aligns over a peripheral area of the distributor disk. A user controllable closure member selectively alters bin discharge aperture size and, hence, outflow quantity from the bin onto the distributor disk, the distributor disk rotating at high speed propelling particulate material out of the housing through a discharge nozzle thereon at a high speed. e.g., 60 m/sec when the unit is user in a spreader mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventors: Marcos Elrod, Michael Glater
  • Patent number: 7275700
    Abstract: A self-propelled chemical delivery vehicle and dispenser generally for agricultural use includes a frame including first and second vertically spaced support members; a rider support member mounted to the frame; an apparatus for providing motive power mounted to the frame; at least two wheel and tire assemblies, with one of the at least two wheels being a drive wheel, the drive wheel being in communication with the apparatus for providing motive power for application of motive power through the ground contact for vehicle movement with the at least two wheel and tire assemblies being spaced apart in generally longitudinal alignment; and an assembly for directional control of the self-propelled chemical delivery vehicle and dispenser mounted to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: D. Wayne Miles, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7175103
    Abstract: An improved feed dispenser is programmable to allow for a desired feeding schedule. When a feeding interval begins, a dispersion wheel begins operating. A separate spinner plate is used to block feed from the dispersion wheel, and begins operating to allow feed to the dispersion wheel only after a delay of several seconds after the dispersion wheel begins operation. In addition, the dispersion wheel is operated for another period of several seconds after the spinner plate ceases operation in order to clear the mechanism and prevent blockage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: WGI Innovations, Ltd.
    Inventor: Christopher B. Barley
  • Patent number: 7137579
    Abstract: An assembly for distributing particulate material comprising a blower assembly preferably removably mounted on a mobile platform and structured to generate a forced flow of air along a flow path and through a manifold assembly connected to a supply of material being distributed. The manifold assembly includes a receiving segment incorporating a Venturi section facilitating the introduction of the particulate material into the forced air flow passing through a discharge conduit. The discharge conduit preferably has an extended length to facilitate distribution of the material to a plurality of locations in a variety of different environments. An applicator is selectively attached to the discharge conduit so as to facilitate distribution of the particulate material to a substantially confined space, such as a potted plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventor: Michael S. Blatt
  • Patent number: 7134618
    Abstract: Methods, processes, and apparatuses for the large scale synthesis of carbon nanostructures are provided. Metal catalysts having small diameter and narrow distribution of particle sizes are prepared and continuously injected as aerosols into a reactor. The metal catalysts are supported on supports that are substantially free of carbon. The metal catalyst, in the form of a powder, is placed in an injector that is shaken vertically. The powder is aerosolized, and the powder entrailed in the gas is passed through a conduit that is bifurcated where one portion delivers the powder to the reactor while the other portion connects back to the ejector that is located in between the gas source and the top part of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Avetik Harutyunyan, Shoji Isobe
  • Patent number: 7131604
    Abstract: A processing apparatus for fluid with a simple structure, high productivity, ability of precise dispersion, emulsification and grinding, is provided. The apparatus of the present invention comprises at least two processing faces of a first face and a second face, both of which are arranged in a tight-closed passage, and positioned opposite to each other to constitute part of said passage, and a contact pressure applying mechanism for putting both faces 1, 2 into closed contact with each other, wherein the rotation of the second processing face 2 in respect of the first processing face 1 may cause dispersion or emulsification of the fluid to be processed between both processing faces 1, 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: M. Technique Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masakazu Enomura
  • Patent number: 7128284
    Abstract: A sprinkling appliance (1) comprising a reservoir (2), a metering means (3) and a preferably compressed-air actuated conveying and dispensing (5), respectively, for dispensing the sprinkling material, wherein the metering means (3) for metering sprinkling material has at least one conveyer or closure surface (19), respectively, capable of being rotated about an axis of rotation (4?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Werner Bartling
  • Patent number: 7118053
    Abstract: The subject invention provides a mounting assembly (10) for supporting a hopper (16) and a spreading mechanism (12) on a vehicle (14) for carrying and spreading a material. A spreader frame (18) supports the hopper (16) and a bumper bracket (60) is mounted to a bumper of the vehicle (14) for attaching the spreader frame (18) to a bumper. The mounting assembly (10) further includes a hitch support (70) for supporting the spreader frame (18) on a hitch receiver (72) of the vehicle (14). A plate (76) interconnects the hitch support (70) to the spreader frame (18) for adjusting a height of the hitch support (70) relative to the spreader frame (18). A pair of vertical supports (62) extend vertically from the spreader frame (18) for attachment to the bed of the vehicle (14) at an upper end (86) thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Trynex, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Truan, Paul Mandrik
  • Patent number: 6945481
    Abstract: A dual mode spreader for broadcast spreading and drop spreading material comprising a hopper to hold a supply of spreadable material, first and second discharge openings located within the hopper for which spreadable material can flow therethrough, an impeller mounted in a position below the hopper for rotational movement about an upright axis, wherein the first discharge opening leads to impeller to enable the spreadable material in the hopper to exit therefrom onto the impeller to be distributed in a path outwardly therefrom onto the surface to be treated; and a diffuser defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening, wherein the second discharge opening is in communication with the inlet opening to enable the spreadable material in the hopper to enter the diffuser and exit therefrom through the outlet opening to be distributed in a path downwardly therefrom onto the surface to be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Lesco Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Peter G. Thompson, Kirk A. Hurto, Mark G. Prinster
  • Patent number: 6936138
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for incorporating feature substances into a still moist but already sufficiently consolidated paper web provides for directing a feature substance suspension onto the surface of the paper web as a laminar jet with low jet pressure. A special pressure control circuit ensures that the jet pressure is always constant regardless of the number of parallel feature substance suspension jets directed onto the paper web. This makes it possible to incorporate a great variety of line codings in paper under the same process conditions without any visible changes in fiber structure occurring in the paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Attenberger, Gerhard Stenzel, Ralf Soltau, Manfred Hutmann
  • Patent number: 6932286
    Abstract: A spreader for distributing a material on a surface. In certain embodiments, the spreader may include a disk rotatable about an axis and having an upper surface extending substantially radially from the axis. A driver may operably connect to the disk to provide rotation about the axis. A paddle may secure to the upper surface of the disk and rotate therewith. The paddle may be aligned to rotationally engage particulate material directed thereto and generate a centrifugal acceleration therein. A controller may limit the centrifugal release of the particulate material from the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventors: Fred P. Smith, Todd Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 6910645
    Abstract: A dispensing system for dispensing gardening products includes a container for holding a selected gardening product and rotating means internal to said container for stirring the selected gardening product stored in the container. A dispersal aperture through the container disperses the selected product from the container after stirring. At least one dispensing system wheel external to the container and coupled to the rotating means is adapted to frictional engage a lawnmower wheel and thereby rotate the rotating means in response to rotation of the lawnmower wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventor: Darlene Edwards
  • Patent number: 6910646
    Abstract: An aggregate spreader having a container, a mounting flange, and a spreading assembly is provided. The container has an aggregate receiving cavity. The mounting flange extends from the container to removably connect the container to a stick of a tractor so that the container is movable by a hydraulic cylinder of the tractor between a spreading position and a loading position. The spreading assembly spreads aggregate disposable in the aggregate receiving cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Vernon
  • Patent number: 6893340
    Abstract: Rotary accelerating apparatus for a vertical crop residue spreader of an agricultural combine capable of receiving, combining and accelerating a relatively high velocity of voluminous flow of relatively heavy, bulky crop residue including straw and the like deflected downwardly from the thresher of the combine, and a weaker, less voluminous flow of chaff and air from the cleaning system of the combine located forwardly of the spreader, by generating a negative pressure or suction condition in the vicinity of the chaff flow for overcoming any undesirable back pressure condition that interferes with induction of the crop residue flow from the cleaning system and which facilitates air flow through the chassis region of the combine to reduce conditions leading to undesirable dust buildup and other problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: James R. Schmidt, Jonathan E. Ricketts
  • Patent number: 6851634
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for dispensing chemical material, and in particular, granular, agricultural material, from a moving device driven over terrain to be treated with the material. A metering system for dispersing the material includes on apertured metering disk positioned above a rotatable impeller. The apertured disk meters material from a product container, by gravity feed, onto the impeller below at a rate proportional to the linear speed at which the apparatus is driven to dispense material at a uniform density over the terrain. The metering disk is a component of a product container which is removably mounted to the device. The impeller rotates at a constant speed to disperse the deposited material at a uniform distance from the apparatus, and the position on which the material is deposited on the impeller is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: BASF Akteingesellschaft
    Inventors: Keith F. Woodruff, John H. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20040256502
    Abstract: A material spreading device for spreading material over a targeted area includes a receiving portion for receiving a plurality of bags of material, a hopper assembly and a material moving device. The material spreading device is configured for use on a vehicle. The hopper assembly has a bag holding portion and a material dispensing bin. The bag holding portion receives at least some of the bags and retains the bags at or near the material dispensing bin. The hopper assembly includes at least one opening device for opening the bags such that material within the opened bags is deposited into the material dispensing bin. The material dispensing bin is operable to dispense or broadcast the material over the targeted area. The material moving device is operable to move the bags of material along the receiving portion and toward the hopper assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Cal G. Niemela, Philip J. Quenzi
  • Patent number: 6802464
    Abstract: The device comprises a roadstone spreader having roadstone flap-doors which are juxtapositioned the transverse direction and which are of equal width, and a rail for spreading bituminous binder facing spreading zones for roadstone via the roadstone flap-doors. The rail f comprises a first set of nozzles which produce jets which cover approximately three pitches of an impact zone of the road surface and nozzles of a second set of nozzles which are interposed between the nozzles of the first set and which are supplied in order to produce margin jets having an impact zone which extends approximately over two pitches over the road surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Famaro
    Inventor: Guy Marconnet
  • Patent number: 6793154
    Abstract: A shield for a vehicle mounted spreader device having a hopper and a rotating spreader element beneath the hopper to broadcast particulate material flowing from the hopper onto the spreader element comprises a top wall having an opening for material flowing from the hopper and a side wall extending downwardly from the top wall and circumferentially thereabout between opposite ends spaced apart to provide a discharge opening, and the side wall is arcuate between the opposite ends thereof and eccentric with respect to the opening in the top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: The Louis Berkman Company
    Inventor: James A. Kost
  • Publication number: 20040124291
    Abstract: A road machine for preventing slippery roads and comprising a means for discharging and spreading material for preventing slippery roads as well as a device for verifying the discharge function. The verifying device comprises a microwave transmitter/receiver (10) and a signal processing circuit (20), which in response to the received signal can detect the presence of discharged material for preventing slippery roads. In this manner it is possible to carry out a contact-free verification of the discharge function of particles moving at a specific speed and in a specific direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Allan Northeved, Carsten Langkjaer
  • Patent number: 6726131
    Abstract: A distribution plate for particulate material comprises a circular horizontal plate comprised of nylon. Spaced radial slots are cut in the plate and extend completely therethrough. A substantially rectangular fin is placed in each slot and is radially positioned in the slot for slidable movement to interconnect with interlocking surfaces between the slot and the bottom edge of the fin. The slots extend from an inner position to an outer radial position short of the outer periphery of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: All-State Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas B. Berner, John E. Thiel
  • Patent number: 6722590
    Abstract: An improved spreader assembly adapted to be mounted on a vehicle having a tailgate and a bumper. The improved spreader assembly includes a hopper and a retaining arrangement. The hopper has an upper section and a bottom section. The bottom section has a base surface adapted to at least partially rest on a top surface of the bumper. The retaining arrangement includes a band that fits at least about a portion of a front face of the upper section of the hopper. One end of the band is adapted to connect to the vehicle to maintain at least a portion of a back face of the upper section at least closely adjacent to the tailgate of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: The Louis Berkman Company
    Inventors: James A. Kost, Josh Vyrostek
  • Patent number: 6715696
    Abstract: The invention comprises a towable trailer having a first frame and a bin, conveyor, and spinners mounted on a second frame. The bin carries materials which are conveyed by the conveyor to the spinners at the rear of the bin which spin and spread the material on the ground as the trailer is towed along the ground. The trailer is towed by a powered vehicle. A remote control device has an electrical connection to the mechanism on the trailer for operating the conveyor and spinners. The remote control device can be mounted on the trailer and operated or by cable from equipment or mechanism on the trailer to the remote control device, the remote control device may be operated on the control panel of the powered vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Kevin J. Pierce
  • Patent number: 6715703
    Abstract: A spreader assembly is adapted to be mounted on a vehicle having a tailgate and a bumper. The spreader includes a hopper having an upper section and a bottom section, the bottom section having a lower material discharge chamber terminating in a lower discharge opening; a broadcast spreader positioned beneath said discharge opening; and a spill plate to at least partially regulate the flow of particulate material through the discharge opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: The Louis Berkman Company
    Inventors: James A. Kost, Josh Vyrostek
  • Patent number: 6702208
    Abstract: A hopper spreader apparatus for spreading materials such as salt, sand or seed includes a motor for rotating a spinner for distributing particulate matter delivered to the spinner. The hopper spreader apparatus is adapted for mounting on a skid steer loader unit. In one embodiment, the drive motor is a hydraulic motor which obtains hydraulic power from the hydraulic system of the skid steer loader unit. A flow controller adapts the flow rate provided by the skid steer loader unit to the flow rate for the hydraulic motor. In one embodiment, a check valve limits the operation of the hydraulic motor to one direction. The hopper spreader apparatus includes a quick release mounting adapter for quickly mounting the hopper spreader apparatus to the skid steer loader unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Sno-Way International, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard D. Hadler, Lynn W. Schultz, Terry C. Wendorff
  • Patent number: 6691892
    Abstract: A granular pump that includes a dispersion reservoir, a primary reservoir, a manual air pump, and a one-way valve. The user aims the granular pump in the direction of the area to be sprayed with the granular material contained in the granular pump and operates the manual air pump to force a pneumatic pulse through the one-way valve into the dispersion reservoir. The pneumatic pulse into the dispersion reservoir permeates the granular material in the dispersion reservoir and carries the granular material through the second open end of the dispersion reservoir. The velocity of the granular material causes it to spread out in a substantially constant pattern of application. The granular material is continually gravity fed into the dispersion reservoir from the primary reservoir as the user operates the manual air pump while aiming at different locations to be sprayed with granular material until the primary reservoir is empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Chapin Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald M. Odessa
  • Patent number: 6672400
    Abstract: A divot repair device for transporting a mixture of fill material and dispensing the fill material into divots in order to fill and thereby fix the divots by promoting turf growth in the location of the divots, including a hopper for carrying a predetermined mixture of fill material, the hopper having an inlet and an outlet; a wheeled carrier connected to the hopper for transporting the hopper by an individual across an area from one divot location to a second divot location; a dispensing valve connected to the hopper for selectively dispensing the fill material; and a smoother connected to the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Curtis N. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20030226915
    Abstract: A grass treatment apparatus is adapted to be coupled with a propellant vehicle in order to be movable over the ground and which mounts a plurality of grass treatment units which are engageable with the ground in order to carry out required grass treatment operations. The apparatus includes a main frame having mountings for coupling to the propelling vehicle and a grass treatment unit mounted on the main frame. A side frame is adjustably mounted on the main frame and has a grass treatment unit mounted thereon. The main frame has a mounting recess for receiving the side frame. A power operated device couples the side frame to the main frame and adjusts the side frame between an outwardly deployed position in which it is laterally spaced from the main frame and an inwardly deployed position in which the side frame is received by the mounting recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventor: David Michel
  • Publication number: 20030226916
    Abstract: An agricultural spreader (100) includes material storage means (1) for storing agricultural material (2), at least one material spreading means (4) to spread the agricultural material (2) onto a surface (20) below the agricultural spreader (100) and variable speed material conveying means (3) for conveying the agricultural material (2) from the material storage means (1) to the material spreading means (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventor: David Stanley Hoyle