Abstract: An apparatus for dispersing liquid flame retardant mixtures mounts in the bucket of mine scoop. The apparatus has a housing which is generally sized to fit within a mine scoop bucket while leaving space in the bucket for moving mine material. The housing has a reservoir within it for holding a fire prevention mixture. The mixture is a liquid mixture and the apparatus has a motor, pump, tubes, and nozzles for dispersing the fire prevention mixture. The apparatus accommodates a hydraulic cylinder for moving the mixture dispersing apparatus back and forth within the scoop bucket. Some embodiments of the apparatus have a front face with scraper blade elements that operate as a scraper blade similar to scraper blades in scoop buckets that do not have the apparatus in place.

Abstract: A spreading apparatus (10) for spreading granular and/or pulverulent material such as grain, salt, fertiliser and the like is disclosed. The apparatus (10) includes a hopper (11) having a discharge aperture (12), a vibration unit (17) arranged for agitating material within the hopper (11), circuitry (22) arranged for supplying power from a power source to one or more material handling components of the spreading apparatus (11), monitoring the power drawn by the one or more material handling components and controlling operation of the vibration unit (17) in dependence upon said power. In various embodiments, the material handling components may include one or more of: a spreading disk (15) arranged for distributing material received from the discharge aperture (12); an auger (18) extending through the discharge aperture (12); and/or a conveyer belt arranged for conveying material from the discharge aperture to the spreading disk (15).

Abstract: A method and assembly for broadcast distributing a granular agricultural material. The assembly includes a container that is configured to be supported by a chassis of a self-powered vehicle and contain a volume of a solid granular material. The assembly includes a spinner assembly that includes a first disk and a second disk that are disposed toward opposite lateral outboard sides of the vehicle. A mount arrangement is disposed between the spinner assembly and the chassis and is adjustable to manipulate a position of the first spinner and the second spinner relative to the chassis. Preferably, the mounting arrangement is configured to simultaneously adjust the position of the first spinner and the second spinner relative to the chassis.

Abstract: A manually operable push-type topdresser includes a reciprocating screen apparatus at the bottom of a material hopper that is operable to reduce the particulate material within the hopper to a uniform size before discharging the particulate material onto the surface of the ground. The topdresser includes a ground drive mechanism to power the reciprocation of an upper screen member when the topdresser is moved. The drive mechanism includes a front drive wheel mounted on one end of an axle and a freely rotatable wheel mounted on the opposing end of the axle to facilitate maneuverability of the topdresser in tight spaces. The reciprocation of the upper screen prevents bridging of the particulate material within the hopper. A control linkage shifts the ground drive mechanism between operable and inoperable modes by moving a shift collar to control engagement of the reciprocation drive with a cam member rotatable with the drive wheel.

Abstract: A spray head for spraying a cosmetic or dermatological composition, in particular for application to the human body, may include a sonotrode for transmitting ultrasound vibration from a transducer to an ejection surface for ejecting particles of composition, the sonotrode including a channel for feeding the composition to the ejection surface. The channel may present a narrow portion between a composition inlet into the sonotrode and the composition outlet to the ejection surface.

Abstract: A material dispenser that may be used with a snow removal machine is comprised of a container, broadcaster actuator, and broadcaster in one embodiment. The material dispenser allows the operator to broadcast dry treatment material from a container mounted to the snow removal machine regardless of whether the precipitation engaging member of the snow removal machine is operating. The broadcaster actuator operates to cause the treatment material to be placed on or adjacent the path of the snow removal machine. The broadcast actuator may be positioned on a handle member of the snow removal machine so that it is convenient for the operator to engage the broadcast actuator while operating the snow removal machine or when the precipitation engaging member is not removing precipitation. A slide gate may be used to throttle the volume of treatment material exiting the container, and a slide gate actuator may be remotely mounted.

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 spreader assembly for spreading a material and for mounting in a bed of a truck is disclosed. The assembly includes a hopper and a frame for supporting the hopper in the bed of the truck. The hopper has a length extending between a front end and a rear end sized for placing in the bed of the truck to hold material for spreading and has an outlet spout with an opening for discharging material therefrom. The hopper and the frame are each formed from a thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A spreader assembly for spreading a material and for mounting to a bed of a truck is disclosed. The assembly includes a hopper and a frame having an upper rail for supporting the hopper in the bed of the truck. The frame includes a pair of front and rear posts extending downwardly from the upper rail and an upper rail extending in a cantilevered fashion from the rear posts to support the outlet spout outside the bed of the truck. A quick-release connector releasably engages the frame for preventing longitudinal movement within the bed of the truck. A spinner is rotatably attached and is moveable between an operating position and a storage position. The hopper includes a lower portion having a bottom with a first slanted portion having a first slope and a second slanted portion having a second slope with the first slope being different than the second slope.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of dispensing small-scale powders for a variety of applications, including, for example, fabricating a three-dimensional heterogeneous small-scale device, includes using a feed mechanism that causes motion of the powder particles and the steps of depositing fine heterogeneous materials (such as dry powders and biological materials) towards a substrate. The depositing step preferably includes providing a feed mechanism having an input to receive the material, an output, and a source of ultrasonic vibration to impart a torsional force on the material so as to precisely discharge the material from the output. To improve particle flowability, a cooling system is provided to cool the source, generally above a threshold input voltage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a broadcast apparatus of the type used in association with a material transporter and includes two components in the form of a chassis section which carries spinner units and a hopper section for directing material received from the transporter into the spinner units. The two components are constructed for easy attachment to permit ready separation and re-connection whereby hopper sections which direct the material differently into the spinner units can be quickly substituted and further the attachments parts of the two components permit positioning of the components in different relationships. The spinner units have material engaging blades, the positioning of which on the spinner discs can be varied to affect the engagement of the blades with the material. The ability to accomplish a variety of operating parameters enables the broadcast apparatus to evenly distribute on the ground surface materials of a significantly different characteristics.

Abstract: A spreader assembly for spreading a material and for mounting to a bed of a truck is disclosed. The assembly includes a hopper and a frame having an upper rail for supporting the hopper in the bed of the truck. The frame includes a pair of front and rear posts extending downwardly from the upper rail and an upper rail extending in a cantilevered fashion from the rear posts to support the outlet spout outside the bed of the truck. A quick-release connector releasably engages the frame for preventing longitudinal movement within the bed of the truck. A spinner is rotatably attached and is moveable between an operating position and a storage position. The hopper includes a lower portion having a bottom with a first slanted portion having a first slope and a second slanted portion having a second slope with the first slope being different than the second slope.

Abstract: A powdered material spraying device comprising a quantitative spraying device provided for a material discharge port of the powdered material storage hopper via a material feed valve, a cover being provided for the material feed port of the powdered material storage hopper. The spraying device includes a cylindrical body connected with the material discharge port of the powdered material storage hopper, an elastic membrane with a penetrating aperture provided so as to form a bottom of the cylindrical body at its lower opening end, and a dispersion chamber connected under the lower opening end of the cylindrical body via the elastic membrane. The dispersion chamber has a pulsating vibration air supply port for supplying a positive pulsating vibration air to the dispersion chamber and a discharge port. A bypass pipe is connected between the cylindrical body and the dispersion chamber and the powdered material is sprayed from a tip end of a conduit connected with the discharge port of the dispersion chamber.

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.

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 rear mounted spreader having a horizontal auger. The spreader is ideally suited to spread bulk salt and sand, but can effectively be used to spread any spreadable material. The spreader is mounted to a vehicle and the auger is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The spreader includes a flow plate to facilitate proper material flow. The spreader also includes a vehicle-mounted control that can independently control the auger and spinner and can control the vibrator.

Abstract: A spreader apparatus (10) designed to evenly spread pellets or the like across an inlet deck (20) of a dryer or cooler is provided which includes a plurality of elongated, telescoping, pivotally supported delivery tubes (12) arranged in side-by-side relationship to form an array (14) extending across the deck (20). A drive assembly (16) is coupled with the tube array (14) so as to sequentially move the array (14) fore and aft to spread product thereon. A distributor (18, 152) is positioned above the array (14) in order to deliver product thereto. The distributor (18) includes a stationary, annular, multiple-pocket tray (76) as well as a spout (98) mounted for 360° rotation about an upright axis. As the spout (98) rotates, successive quantities of product are delivered to each pocket (84) of the tray (76). A ducting assembly (86) is provided between the tray (76) and the upper ends of the tubes (12).

Abstract: A flowable particulate distributor is provided having at least one wall and a multiplicity of posts. Each of the posts have a first end and a second end. The posts are attached at the first ends to the at least one wall forming a geometric array such that the second ends of the posts extend away from the at least one wall. An inlet port is also provided. The inlet port is connected to the at least one wall and is positioned above the geometric array. The flowable particulate distributor can be attached to a vibratory feeder assembly. The vibratory feeder assembly includes an elongated feed tray and a vibrator. The feed tray contains the flowable solids and has an open end thereon. The vibrator is mounted on the feed tray opposite the open end and the open end is aligned with the inlet port. This invention can also be described as a method for dispensing flowable solids. This method includes the step of introducing a high density of flowable solids into a flowable particulate distributor.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for ejecting a material, in particular a straw material, having a pivot unit comprising an impeller blower, a cooperating fluid cylinder, with a control unit comprising at least one directional control valve for control of the fluid cylinder so that at least one ejection nozzle of the impeller blower can be pivoted reciprocally. The control unit further comprises a pressure control valve. An electrical control device is provided, which acts on the pressure control valve and/or the directional control valve in such a way that a piston of the fluid cylinder essentially performs a harmonic reciprocating movement.

Abstract: A fine particle dispersing apparatus including a cylindrical body, a funnel nozzle provided at the bottom of the cylindrical body, and a valve having a clearance forming member forming a clearance with the inner wall of the funnel nozzle which is larger than the diameter of the fine particles. The funnel nozzle and/or the clearance forming member oscillates, thereby causing the fine particles present within the funnel nozzle to pass through the clearance and discharge from the nose portion of the funnel nozzle.

Abstract: A flexible hopper made of rubber or other suitable flexible material which is driven by a motor through an eccentric drive so as to cause the hopper and a drive auger to vibrate to more readily dispense product in the hopper. One or more flexible fingers are attached to the auger and are flexed as the auger rotates so as to further improve the flow characteristics of the materials in the hopper.

Abstract: A device for the dissemination of a spreadable material, such as fertilizer in powder or granule form, which device consists substantially of a supported frame with storage holder 7 for the material for spreading, which holder 7 is provided with an outlet opening and a spreader pipe 10 driven for reciprocal swinging connected thereto, said spreader pipe 10 has near its free outflow opening means influencing the spread pattern, wherein a partition 12 is arranged extending in the central longitudinal plane of the pipe 10 and connecting to the bottom wall thereof and which protrudes freely from the pipe over a determined length, and to arrange above the transverse partition an extra rebound surface 31 which extends transversely of the lengthwise direction of the pipe behind the opening thereof, so being able to influence the spreading pattern such that the delivery onto the field is as even as possible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for charging a shaft furnace. The apparatus includes a rotary and pivoting distributor chute suspended on the head of the furnace, a device for driving this chute, which consists of a first and second running ring designed respectively for rotating the chute about the vertical axis of the furnace and for changing its inclination relative to this axis as a result of a pivoting about its horizontal suspension axis, and a device for actuating the two running rings independently of one another, a central charging lock equipped with upper and lower sealing flaps and with a metering and closing valve for adjusting the flow of material from the lock on to the distributor chute, and a device for filling the lock.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a handling device for a distribution chute of a shaft furnace, the said distribution chute being suspended pivotably on a rotary cage mounted by means of bearings in a housing installed in the head of the furnace and containing drive means for rotating the said cage about the vertical axis of the furnace and drive means for pivoting the chute about its horizontal suspension axis. The invention also relates to a mechanism for driving the chute which is suitable for this device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for uniformly dispensing particles of a seasoning material continuously deposits seasoning material at a controlled rate onto a seasoning drop point of an oscillating spreading conveyor. The oscillating spreading conveyor spreads seasoning material in a zig-zag pattern over a receiving area on the top surface of a transfer conveyor, that in turn transfers seasoning to an elongate trough of a seasoning applicator disposed beneath the transfer conveyor. The trough has a screened bottom and includes rotating bars within the trough for fluffing seasoning in the trough and for promoting uniform dispensing of the seasoning through the screened bottom of the trough. The dispensing rate of the seasoning through the screened bottom is controlled by varying the rotational speed of the bars to maintain a desired amount of seasoning material within the trough.

Abstract: Particles are fed for sorting by a radial distributor having an upper surface on which the particles gradually spread arcuately and are displaced radially outwardly, by for example vibration of the distributor, to a lip of the upper surface where they define one or more curved arrays as the fall over the lip. As they fall in free flight trajectory paths the particles present a curved array one particle deep to a separating device arranged to sort the particles according to the degree they possess a particular characteristic.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying glaze, in the form of granules, to hot tiles, having a dispenser including at least an inclined surface with a pouring edge for cascade or curtain coating of the glaze onto the hot tiles brought below it, preferably conveyed on rollers. Provision is preferably made for successive pouring edges aligned transversally to the tile conveyor system, and respective inclined surfaces, in particular, in the form of rotating wheels, which are internally traversed by cooling liquid.

Abstract: A device for disseminating spreadable material, such as fertilizer pellets or powders, consisting substantially of a frame (1) that is pulled or carried, a storage holder (3) for that material, a dosage mechanism (4) fitted beneath the holder (3) and a reciprocally driven spreading pipe (12) connected to the mechanism (4) wherein on either side of the vertical longitudinal plane the spreader pipe (12) is provided with a surface for instance formed by a longitudinal rib (22) guiding the spreadable material, said surface enclosing an angle .alpha. with the vertical and extending at least over a part of or over the whole length of the pipe (12) so obtaining an even spread of the material and in particular a symmetrical spreading pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading bulk material, particularly asphalt and the like, from the deck (3) of a load-carrying vehicle, and spreading the material (49) over ground (37) contiguous to the vehicle, includes a spreader unit connectable for support to the rear end of the deck (3). The unit comprises a part (5) arranged for connection to the end of the deck for receiving material from the deck, and with the aid of a transverse conveyor (7) to give this material a suitably agitated or comminuted state and convey it further, and a cantilever arm-like conveyor (9), adapted at its first end to receive the material conveyed according to the above and at its second free end to discharge received material, the conveyor (9) being controllably swivelably suspended (at 11) at said first end, so that it can be caused to sweep over ground (37) contiguous to the vehicle, thereby to spread the discharged material (49) over said ground.

Abstract: A material spreader system is designed to dispense a topping material onto the surface of a plastic substance lying within an area having opposing sides. The material spreader system includes a spreader for storing a supply of topping material and for dispensing a layer of the topping material as the spreader is translated along a path. A bridge provides an elevated path to permit widthwise translation of the spreader across the area. Translatable bridge support structure is coupled to the bridge for supporting the bridge above the area while permitting translation of the bridge along the entire length of the area. Drive means is coupled to the spreader to translate the spreader across the path formed by the bridge to thereby dispense a layer of topping material over the entire area. Sequential translations of the spreader across the bridge followed by sequential translations of the bridge along the length of the area covers the entire surface of the area with a layer of topping material.

Abstract: A moving gate discharge system designed to prevent product-breakage while discharging particulate products, particularly non-free flowing and inter-engaging particulate products, in a more uniform flow from a receptacle having a moving bottom, is disclosed. The system includes an endless circulating feeder mounted across the discharge of the receptacle with its lower end portion oscillating upwardly and downwardly and traveling at a horizontal speed more rapid than that of the product on the moving bottom of the receptacle. Product-progressing finger assemblies are mounted in transverse rows on the feeder, spaced distances equal to the longitudinal distance the feeder moves during one period of vertical movement of the lower end portion thereof, and located such that each will be disposed directly below the lower end portion of the feeder when the latter reaches the lower portion of its downward movement.

Abstract: There is disclosed a transport system for material in powdered, particulate, granular or the like form. A generally horizontal flow channel extends from an inlet (20) to an outlet (11) for the material. An ultrasonic standing wave is set up in the body (10) surrounding the flow channel by means of a piezo-ceramic transducer (12). The standing wave is arranged to have an antinode at or near the inlet and a node at or near the outlet whereby the material flows along the channel.

Abstract: Wind-powered apparatus for applying a powdered substance over a given area including a housing designed to receive a quantity of the powdered substance, a sieve located within the housing and a wind motor assembly. The powdered substance is contained within the housing above the sieve. The wind motor assembly is rotatably received by the housing and extends through the housing. The wind motor assembly includes a center pole, a hub located on top of the center pole, a plurality of blades attached to the hub by spokes, a flexible plate which is attached to the bottom end of the pole beneath the sieve, a counterweight assembly and a scraper bar. The counterweight assembly and scraper bar are attached to the plate. As the wind acts on the blades and rotates the wind motor assembly, the scraper contacts and vibrates the sieve. This releases the powdered substance for distribution over the given area by the wind.

Abstract: In a fertilizer spreader having a reciprocatively swinging distributor pipe, a distributing device is secured to the front end outlet of the distributor pipe. The distributing device comprises an upper part; a bottom part forwardly upwardly inclined and upwardly bent at both sides form a pair of inclined side plates; and a front clash part provided with an opening therein and interconnecting the upper and bottom parts, whereby the discharge speed, direction and timing of the fertilizer discharged from the outlet of the distributory pipe are variously changed so as to spread the fertilizer relatively uniformly.

Abstract: A method for controlling the density distribution of bulk material in the manufacture of pressed wood panels includes the step of eliminating the irregularities in the bulk material stream as it flows to the forming station. Apparatus for accomplishing this result includes a pair of spaced apart parallel rollers that define an adjustable slotted opening through which the material passes. Rotation and oscillation of the rollers function to render uniform the density distribution of the bulk material stream.

Abstract: An ingredient spreader which may be readily coupled to existing feeder mechanisms so as to provide a uniform output which is dispersed in a sifting or dusting fashion over a defined area. The ingredient spreader includes a housing having an inlet at its top and an outlet at its bottom, a baffle connected centrally within the housing, a mesh screen located across the outlet of the housing, a plurality of balls which rest on the mesh screen when the ingredient spreader is not in operation, and a drive mechanism for oscillating the housing when the ingredient spreader is in operation. In operation, the drive mechanism oscillates the ingredient spreader. Ingredient is fed through the inlet at the top of the housing, passes through the housing being dispersed by the baffle, and is sifted by the balls and the screen.

Abstract: A salt and/or gravel spreader comprising a mobile container or hopper constructed to have two bottom walls, transverse to the direction of travel, inclined downwards towards an oblong slot at which is mounted a mechanism for the discharge of salt and/or gravel. The lower part of one of the inclined bottom walls has at least one pivotally mounted slat protruding beneath the other inclined bottom wall. Below one or all the pivotal slats is situated a rotatable shaft having a cam for each slat, whereby the slat(s) at the free end through the rotation by the shaft of the cam(s) will swing towards or away from the edge of the other inclined bottom wall. The spreader cannot be blocked by the spreading material and easy adjustment of the dosing can be performed during operation.

Abstract: A spreader nozzle for granular material in which the material is discharged through a grille of horizontal bars forming openings of length to height ratio such that the material will not flow through the openings under the static head of the material but will flow freely through the openings when the grille is vibrated.

Abstract: A powder dispensing assembly including an elongated chute having opposite ends pivotally supported for rotation about a pivot axis within an elongated housing and having a funnel-shaped cross section with a wide upper portion and a narrow lower portion. A dispensing platform is integral with the rear wall of the chute and extends forwardly beneath the front wall and slopes upwardly to a lip over which particles of powder move to define a falling curtain of powder particles. A supply platform is supported just above the pivot axis and receives powder from an elongated slot and supplies powder to the dispensing platform as the powder falls downwardly through the chute. The supply platform is wider than the angle of repose of the powder supplied thereto so that when the supply platform is not moving powder is not being supplied to the lower dispensing platform. An electromagnet cooperates with a spring plate which is, in turn, connected by a rod through the housing to the rear wall of the chute.

Abstract: A driving unit supported by a frame for an oscillating spreading pipe of a device for distributing material, for example, fertilizer, said unit mainly comprising a drivable fly-wheel, a holder for the spreading pipe to be oscillated by the fly-wheel through a coupling element eccentrically journalled in said fly-wheel and a dosing mechanism arranged above said holder, wherein a part of the frame thereof extends in dish-shaped fashion on either side of the driving unit, said dish-shaped frame portion not only serves as a protective member during transport, but also operates as a stiffening part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for spreading distributable material, for example, fertilizer, comprising a hopper containing the material and having an outlet port, communicating with a distributor pipe adapted to swing to and fro, to which a bracket is fastened; the bracket favorably affecting the distribution pattern of the material to be deposited. The invention has for its object to improve the action of the distributor pipe so that a more advantageous distribution pattern is obtained; the invention provides a device in which the bracket holds a deflection member arranged behind the exhaust opening of the distributor pipe, viewed in the direction of flow of the material, the operative surface of the member being at an acute angle to the direction of flow; a further object of the invention is to improve the connection between the bracket with the deflection member and the end of the distributor pipe so that a ready exchange becomes possible.